Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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112. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality whether international protection applicants who are experiencing faster processing times are at risk of not getting access to legal aid due to delays in the provision of legal aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21355/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that I am fully committed to ensuring that Ireland’s International Protection system is robust and rules based, and that our borders are protected.

Accelerated processing was introduced in November 2022 and it now applies to those from designated safe countries of origin, applicants who have received protection elsewhere in Europe and citizens of countries from which there are the largest number of applicants.

Under the accelerated process, applicants currently receive a first decision around four months. For remaining applicants under the normal procedure the median processing time is 17 months.

When an applicant first applies for international protection, they are provided with comprehensive information on the international protection process including on the availability of legal information and advice as well as how to contact UNHCR and other support organisations.

Applicants can avail of the services of the Legal Aid Board (LAB) which:

* provides legal assistance and advice in support of their application.

* advises them in relation to the completion of their International Protection Questionnaire (if not already completed) including any grounds that they may wish to set out for the purpose of requesting that the Minister should give them permission to remain in the State.

* assists them in the preparation for their international protection interview and any written representations to the Minister.

* in the case of a negative recommendation on their application, provides representation for them in any appeal they may take to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT).

The Legal Aid Board does not operate a waiting list for international protection services. However, the level of service given to individual applicants at any particular time may be determined with reference to the stage they are at in the international protection process and the timing of any impending deadlines, interview dates, or tribunal hearing dates.

Detailed information on civil legal aid services and advice provided to international protection applicants can be found on the Legal Aid Board website at: www.legalaidboard.ie/en/our-services/legal-aid-services/services-for-international-protection-applicants/.