Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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257. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the rationale for an applicant to the international protection strand of the regularisation scheme for long-term undocumented migrants being required to state whether they wish to withdraw their asylum claim if their regularisation application is successful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8985/22]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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258. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the languages that information is available in regarding the international protection strand of the regularisation scheme for long-term undocumented migrants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8986/22]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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259. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if free legal advice is being offered to individuals considering applying to the international protection strand of the regularisation scheme for long-term undocumented migrants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8987/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 257 to 259, inclusive, together.

The landmark Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants Scheme includes a parallel strand, to implement the recommendation included in the report of the Expert Advisory Group, allowing international protection applicants who have an outstanding application for international protection and have been in the asylum process for a minimum of two years to apply.  

This once-in-a-generation scheme is designed to give long-term undocumented people without a current permission to remain in the State, the chance to regularise their status, access the labour market and begin their path to citizenship.  As the Deputy will be aware, it has been widely welcomed by those who have long campaigned for this right.

This strand of the scheme opened for applications on 7 February 2022, for a six month period to 7 August 2022. The International Protection Office (IPO) of my Department has recently written to approximately 4,000 potentially eligible applicants inviting them to apply under the scheme.

Further information on this strand of the scheme, along with the application form can be found on the IPO website at: www.ipo.gov.ie/en/ipo/pages/whatsnew. When completed, application forms and supporting documentation should be submitted by email to IPRSU@ipo.gov.ie. 

Currently, information for the scheme on the IPO website is only available in English. However,  arrangements are being made by my Department to translate this material into the five most common languages currently used by international protection applicants. IPO staff will also assist applicants as needed to help them submit their application in the correct manner.

There is no fee for making an application under this dedicated strand of the scheme. Applications will be assessed independently of the application that has been made for international protection.

It is important to note that there is no requirement for the applicant to withdraw their international protection application, although some applicants may choose to do so, if successful under this scheme. Applicants who are successful and who do not choose to withdraw from the international protection process will continue to have their protection applications processed. 

It is not considered that the making of an application under the Scheme is itself a matter for which legal advice is necessary. International protection applicants can and do avail of the services of the Legal Aid Board in relation to their international protection application.  While legal aid is not specifically being provided for this scheme, it is open to applicants to consult their legal representative, if they have one. In particular, they may wish to seek advise on whether or not  they wish to withdraw their pending application for international protection, if successful under the scheme.