Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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218. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications have been received by the International Protection Office in response to its open call for applications for assignment to the International Protection Panel and Repatriation Panel in each of the past nine months; the number of such applications that have been invited for interview in each of the past nine months; the number of new panel members in each of the past nine months; if the level and pace of recruitment is sufficient for the service needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16190/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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It is a central priority for me that our immigration system is robust and enforced.

In 2024 the International Protection Office (IPO) delivered over 14,000 first decisions compared to over 8,500 in 2023, while the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) closed around 3,100 appeals in 2024 compared to over 1,700 in 2023.

This substantial increase in processing results from investment in increased staffing levels, technology and infrastructure, as well as the increased use of panel members and Tribunal members at the IPO and IPAT respectively.

The IPO now has 616 staff, an increase of 190% over 2022. In addition, 244 case processing panel members are contracted by the International Protection Office.

The IPO continues to recruit both staff and panel members and arrangement are well in hand to meet service needs. There is an ongoing competition for assignment to the International Protection Panel and Repatriation Panel that has received 153 applications to date. Interviews for this panel will commence this month and some candidates having already been invited to attend.