Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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363. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if Ireland’s inward migration policy is reviewed and updated as necessary to take account of new developments; the issues he believes should be considered as part of these reviews and updates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5321/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Policies under the responsibility of my Department in relation to immigration matters are kept under ongoing review and are informed by the need facilitate economic and social development, to fulfil our international obligations, and to take account of changing international geopolitical developments.

I understand that the Deputy's query also encompasses developments in relation to the Pact on Migration and Asylum, International Protection and Ukraine. 

In relation to the Pact on Migration and Asylum, the Pact was published on 23 September 2020 and consists of a Communication put forward by the Commission and five new legislative proposals to replace or complement a number of proposals dating from 2016 (but not adopted) for a new Common European Asylum System.

The Pact sets out the Commission’s comprehensive new approach to migration bringing together policy in the areas of migration, asylum, integration and border management recognising that the overall effectiveness depends on progress on all fronts. This common response also incorporates the EU’s partnerships with third countries to address the root causes of irregular migration, combat migrant smuggling, assist refugees residing in third countries and to support an effective returns policy and well-managed legal migration.

Ireland is not automatically bound by the proposals which are receiving careful consideration as to their implications for Ireland in the event of a decision to opt in.

In relation to International Protection 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. 

Over the last number of months, the International Protection Office has implemented a number of measures to improve efficiencies and throughput, in tandem with reforms to the application, interview and decision making process, and these are having a significant impact upon processing times.

The new accelerated procedures for international protection applicants from safe countries of origin 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 Government has also committed additional funding of nearly €18 million in 2023 that will also go towards increasing efficiency in processing applications, including by increasing staff numbers at the International Protection Office. 

In relation to temporary protection offered to those arriving from Ukraine, Ireland has acted swiftly and compassionately to demonstrate our support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people and my Department continues to work closely with colleagues across Government to ensure a coordinated national response. To the end of January some 72,976 people have been granted temporary protection in Ireland. 

The Government remains committed to supporting the people and Government of Ukraine and will continue to work with our EU counterparts in relation to the implementation of the EU Council decision activating the Temporary Protection Directive, and on any further EU-wide measures in this regard.