Eoin Hayes (Dublin Bay South, Social Democrats)
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489. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to supply the annual number of US citizens who have sought international protection in Ireland every year from 2010 to 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27711/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that it is a priority to have recommendations made on all international protection applications as soon as possible. This gives 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 number of International Protection applications have been rising over the past number of years, reaching 18,500 in 2024. This year, we are beginning to see application numbers noticeably reduce. There have been 43% less applications in the first four months of 2025 compared to the first four months of 2024.

We know that patterns in international protection applications vary over time and that is why it is important that the Government’s response adapts accordingly.

It is my belief that implementing a firmer and more efficient migration system is a key element in reducing the numbers coming to Ireland to seek international protection, particularly where individuals are unlikely to be entitled to that protection.

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 those from a country with a particularly high number of applications. Applications from countries subject to the accelerated procedure have reduced significantly since their introduction.

It is my intention to continue to ramp up investment in the end-to-end international protection process to speed up decision making. This will support reaching key targets, including making 25,000 decisions in the IPO in 2025 and to increase the number of appeals at the IPAT completed over the course of 2025.

Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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490. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if IPAS has entered into a contract with a hotel (details supplied); and if so, to set out the details of the contract and his Department’s plans to engage with the local community on these plans. [27715/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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My Department does not have a contract for international protection accommodation at the location provided and is not examining this property for use.