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

1078. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the protocols that apply to Albanian and Georgian citizens who register for refugee protection in Ireland understanding that no conflicts are presently ongoing in those countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63602/22]

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

1079. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new applications for asylum status from Georgian and Albanian migrants in the past three years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63603/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1078 and 1079 together.

The International Protection office of my Department endeavours to make recommendations on international protection applications as soon as possible. This ensures that those who are found to be in need of protection from the State can receive it quickly and begin rebuilding their lives here with a sense of safety and security. My Department continues to take all necessary steps to manage the international protection process efficiently and effectively, while ensuring the integrity of the immigration system is maintained at all times.

On November 8 2022, the International Protection Office (IPO) introduced accelerated procedures for international protection applicants from safe countries of origin (designated countries include Georgia and Albania). The Minister designates certain countries as safe countries of origin pursuant to section 72 of the International Protection Act, 2015.

All International Protection applications are examined fully and individually on their merits, including those from countries which are designated as safe countries of origin. An applicant from a safe country of origin is afforded the opportunity to submit grounds (in writing and/or at interview) as to why his or her country is not safe for him or her and those grounds are given due consideration. Otherwise that country is deemed to be a safe country of origin for the applicant.

Under this accelerated process, relevant applicants complete a preliminary interview and are required to complete a questionnaire regarding their application and the reasons they are looking for protection upon application. Applicants are assigned an interview date at this stage in the process, typically within a matter of weeks, significantly reducing their waiting time.

Applicants under this procedure maintain the right to appeal a negative recommendation by the IPO to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT).

The new accelerated process introduced in November 2022 is intended to significantly reduce processing time. As it has only been recently introduced, the IPO are monitoring implementation and the impact on processing times.

The table below sets out the number of applications made from Albanian and Georgian nationals.