Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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285. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to provide an update on the work carried out to date to enable the establishment of a new Independent Human Rights Monitoring Mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56224/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The EU Migration and Asylum Pact has been designed to establish a common approach to migration and asylum that is based on solidarity, responsibility, and, importantly, respect for human rights.

Part 15 of the General Scheme of the new International Protection Bill provides for the establishment of an independent monitoring mechanism as provided for in the Screening Regulation and Asylum Procedures Regulation. To align the monitoring mechanism with other Ombudsman and oversight organisations in the State and to enhance independence and accountability, the General Scheme proposes that the mechanism’s functions will be conferred on an individual Chief Inspector of Asylum Border Procedures.

It is my intention to publish the Bill by the end of the year and to progress toward enactment early in 2026.

Initial steps are being taken toward the establishment of the Chief Inspector post, and funding has been allocated in the 2026 Estimates to that end.