Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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105. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons that made their application for protection three, four and more than five years ago and are currently in the protection process, at the leave to remain stage, or at the deportation stage in view of the commencement of the International Protection Act 2015. [4033/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The International Protection Act 2015 was commenced on December 31st last. This involved significant new processes being developed, engagement with stake-holders and the setting up of a new International Protection Office. A new International Protection Appeals Tribunal has also been established. This has involved a period of considerable change for these institutions, their staff and for applicants in the the old process who may now be dealt with under the new procedures. The single applications procedure brings Ireland in line with the practice of all other EU Member States.

As part of the implementation process, new information technology systems have been put in place and data migrated from older systems. This data is currently being checked taking into account the transition arrangements specified in the new legislation. Accordingly, the figures requested by the Deputy are not immediately to hand. The new International Protection Office is making direct contact with every applicant on record, to inform them of the changes that may impact on their applications and to confirm the status of their application. Once the new systems beds in, I will provide the Deputy with the figures requested.