Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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1553. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will instruct his Department to simplify the process of asylum seeking for Palestinians and make any relevant information regarding the process easily accessible to applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19227/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Government has invested heavily in the international protection process over the past number of years, resulting in a significant increase in capacity in both the International Protection Office (IPO) and the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT). This investment will continue.

My Department aims to have recommendations made on all international protection applications as soon as possible. This will give status to those who are entitled to international protection to rebuild their lives here, while also ensuring faster decision making in respect of those who do not meet the criteria.

The process to determine if an individual is entitled to protection is outlined in the International Protect Act, 2015. Applications must be made within the state. Applicants have the assistance of interpreters and cultural mediators in making their application. Applicants can also avail of the services of the Legal Aid Board who can provide legal assistance and advice.

The Asylum and Migration Pact, which will be introduced in June 2026, will replace the current process with one which is significantly streamlined, with a single first-instance decision on refugee status, subsidiary protection and return or permission to remain. There will also be a single appeal mechanism covering these determinations. The process will be subject to rigorous timelines ensuring decisions are issued as quickly as possible.

More detailed information on the international protection application process can be found on the International Protection Office website at:

Application Process - International Protection Office (www.ipo.gov.ie/en/IPO/Pages/Assessment_of_Application#:~:text=Following%20your%20preliminary%20interview%2C%20if,time%20specified%20by%20the%20IPO)

Details of the immigration pathways to travel to and enter the State are available on my Department’s website: www.irishimmigration.ie.