Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Seeking international protection is a human right and it is important to note at the outset that all International Protection applications are examined fully and individually on their merits, including those from countries which are designated as safe countries of origin.

My Department's overarching objective is to ensure that applications are dealt with fairly and efficiently within the framework of Ireland's international obligations.

Under Section 72 of the International Protection Act 2015 the Minister­ for Justice­ may make an order designating a country a safe country of origin. In deciding to make such an order, the Minister must be satisfied that, on the basis of the legal situation, the application of the law within a democratic system and the general political circumstances, it can be shown that there is generally and consistently no persecution in the country in question. The Minister must furthermore be satisfied that no torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment applies and that no threat exists by reason of indiscriminate violence in situations of international or internal armed conflict.

An applicant from a safe country of origin is afforded the opportunity to submit grounds, in writing and at interview, as to why their country is not safe for them and those grounds are given due consideration. Furthermore, all applicants have the right to appeal a negative recommendation by the International Protection Office to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal.

On 8 November 2022, I signed into law an order to establish an accelerated decision-making process for international protection applicants from safe countries of origin. These arrangements are designed to support our fair and efficient rules based system. Applicants from a safe country of origin receive a date for interview on the same day that they apply for international protection, with that interview usually taking place in three weeks of making the application. The median processing time at first instance for such applications at now less than three months, down from 18 months over last year.

It is important to emphasise that accelerated processing does not involve any reduction in the comprehensiveness or fairness of the interview and determination process, which is subject to ongoing quality assurance. Moreover, a range of supports are available to the applicant including assistance in completing the application, as well as and legal advice and representation, which is provided by the independent Legal Aid Board.