Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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566. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applicants going through the accelerated process at the International Protections Office; the number going through the non-accelerated process; and the total number respectively in tabular form. [37800/21]

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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567. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the overall median waiting time for applications through the International Protections Office; and the median waiting time for accelerated and non-accelerated applications, respectively in tabular form. [37801/21]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 567 and 566 together.

Just to clarify for the Deputy, accelerated procedures, as provided for under EU asylum law, are not currently carried out by the International Protection Office of my Department.  Each application is assessed individually on its own merits, in accordance with the provisions of the International Protection Act 2015.Certain types of application are prioritised in accordance with the Prioritisation Statement agreed with the UNHCR and published on the IPO website at: . This Statement was updated with effect from 14 June 2021.  

The International Protection Office has remained open to offer applicants a service, in line with our international obligations to allow those who wish to claim international protection the opportunity to do so. The provision of the facility to allow people claim international protection is considered an essential service at all times, including during the Covid-19 crisis.

The interview schedule for the International Protection Office (IPO) has, however, been severely disrupted during this time. As of 30 June 2021, the total number of applicants awaiting interviews in the IPO are set out in the table below:

The median processing times for applications processed to completion at first instance in Q1 2021, are set out in the table below. I expected that figures in respect of Q2 2021 will be available shortly.

In general, the scheduling of interviews by the IPO is done in accordance with the prioritisation statement mentioned previously.  Prioritisation, as provided for under section 73 of the International Protection Act 2015, is subject to the need for fairness and efficiency in dealing with all applications for international protection.  Scheduling of cases will primarily be done on the basis of the date of application (oldest cases first).