Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

995. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applicants for protection that have been issued with a notice upon making their application advising them of the fact that may opt to voluntarily return at any stage before he refuses to give a refugee or subsidiary protection declaration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29289/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I can assure the Deputy that I am fully committed to ensuring that Ireland’s International Protection system is robust, and rules based.

Concerted efforts are made to make International Protection applicants aware of the option for Voluntary Return at various stages of the International Protection process. A person can only avail of Voluntary Return before a deportation order is issued.

At the start of the application process, in the 'Information Booklet for Applicants for International Protection', details on the option of Voluntary Return is provided.

At the time a negative first instance recommendation issues, applicants are informed that they may opt to Voluntary Return with assistance. The option of Voluntary Return is not offered to those convicted of serious criminality.

Should an appeal be affirmed, applicants are further advised of the option to avail of a Voluntary Return with the possibility of assistance to support their departure from the State.

The informational material, provided at various stages of the process, clearly outlines the differences between the voluntary return process and the deportation process and is available in a range of languages. These are sent with correspondence issued by the International Protection Office and are also made available at Embassies and migrant support services nationwide.

In 2024, 934 individuals left Ireland using the Voluntary Return Programme, a significant increase compared to the 213 in 2023. Of these, 684 had made applications for International Protection in the State. I expect these numbers to rise again this year and so far 542 persons who had made International Protection applications, departed in this manner to 04th June 2025.

Enforced deportation operations are used as a last resort and can be complex in nature. They can involve surveillance operations, detentions in custody, legal challenges, and flight costs. Alternatives to forced removals are therefore typically preferred.

As part of the voluntary return process my Department makes arrangements for the person to leave the State or the person can organise their return independently. In both circumstances, my Department receives confirmation when the person has departed.

The EU Migration and Asylum Pact is a new EU framework to manage migration and asylum for the long-term. The overall objective of the Pact is to provide a fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedure. This will be done through convergence in asylum practises across the EU.

My Department is currently developing future plans for voluntary return as a key part of implementing the Pact, in partnership with relevant stakeholders.

This will build on the positive momentum achieved by my officials when encouraging people to leave voluntarily.