Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

615. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the revision of the asylum appeals process in view of the recent attacks in France and Austria; if her Department considered an additional background information required for those making applications; if she considered the motivating factors to such radicalisation such as a lack of integration initiatives including adequate employment, education and social inclusion opportunities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34906/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The International Protection Act 2015, sets out the provisions for the making and deciding of an application for international protection in the State. This includes provisions related to appeals of negative recommendations, which are heard by the independent International Protection Appeals Tribunal. The 2015 Act is fully consistent with international and EU law in this regard.

Each case for International Protection is examined on its individual merits and any consideration of leave to remain takes all factors into account, including necessary security checks, before a final decision is made.

The Advisory Group led by Dr. Catherine Day, whose Report Minister O'Gorman and I have recently published, has made a number of recommendations related to the international protection process. These recommendations, along with all other recommendations relevant to the work of my Department will be actively considered by a Programme Board I have established for this purpose. Their work will feed into the development of the White Paper by the end of this year, in line with the Programme for Government commitment.

I was also pleased to secure an additional €1.75m in Budget 2021 for the efficient functioning of the international protection system, which will help us to further improve processing times for applications.

International protection applicants can apply to me for a labour market access permission while their claim is being examined. Following a review led by my Department, I recently announced that a number of positive changes are being introduced. The waiting period for applying for a labour market permission is being reduced from 9 months to 6 months and that the validity of the permission is being extended from 6 months to 12 months. I also announced that we will expand the access to the labour market to include those applicants who received a first instance recommendation before the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 came into force, provided that they meet the criteria set out in the Regulations. The restriction preventing people accessing employment with public health employers, subject to them having the necessary qualifications, is also being removed.

A whole-of-Government approach is adopted to address the needs of diverse groups and to ensure their equal participation in Irish society. As the Deputy will be aware, there is a Migrant Integration Strategy in place. Responsibility for this has transferred to the Department of Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth and I know its implementation will continue to be a priority for my colleague, Minister O'Gorman.