Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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381. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 116 of 22 October 2025, if the response to the question regarding whether a company which operates international protection accommodation at a site (details supplied) are facing legal proceedings under the Fire Services Act in relation to taking water by tanker from a fire hydrant, a practice which the Minister for State for Migration told the Dáil on 9 October 2025 has now ceased is now available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62644/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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In relation to the property mentioned, my Department has held a contract with a provider at this location since 2023 for the provision of international protection accommodation.

While all matters relating to essential services and utilities at an accommodation centre remain under the remit of the provider, my Department is aware that water supplies at the property have needed augmentation with tankered water for a significant period.

My Department was informed that the provider recently changed supplier for the provision of tankered water at the property.

My Department does not hold information in relation to any proceedings under the Fire Services Act, as this would be a matter for the relevant Local Authority.

John Clendennen (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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382. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of individuals currently availing of the higher daily expense allowance; the number of those who have been offered accommodation and declined it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62650/25]

John Clendennen (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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383. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality whether individuals who decline offers of accommodation continue to retain eligibility for the higher daily expense allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62651/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 382 and 383 together.

My Department has been unable to provide a response to this question within the prescribed timeframe. A response will issue directly to the Deputy in the coming days.

John Clendennen (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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384. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the average processing time for applications for international protection at each stage of the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62652/25]

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

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 with 35% fewer compared with the same period in 2024.

It is a priority for my Department 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.

There has been a significant increase in investment into the international protection system which, combined with digitisation and process reengineering, has facilitated a major increase in processing capacity.

This investment has already demonstrated results. In 2024 the International Protection Office (IPO) delivered over 14,000 first decisions compared to over 8,500 in 2023, while the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) closed around 3,100 appeals in 2024 compared to over 1,700 in 2023. To date in 2025 the IPO has delivered over 17,000 first instance decisions, a 48% increase on the same period in 2024.

The overall median processing time for first instance decisions was 16 months in 2024 and is currently 14 months in 2025. The current processing time for applications under the accelerated process is four months.

In 2025, as of 31 October, the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) has received 12,133 appeal cases. The current median processing time at IPAT is 12.7 months.

My Department also continues to focus on preparing for the EU Migration and Asylum Pact in advance of June 2026. The Pact will provide a fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedure. This will be achieved through convergence in asylum practices across the EU including standardised processing times for decisions: six months for a standard procedure, three months for accelerated and border procedures and two months for processing applicants who have applied for protection elsewhere in Europe.

The General Scheme of a new International Protection Bill to give effect to the measures of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact was approved by Government on 29 April 2025. The General Scheme has been published and referred to the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for pre-legislative scrutiny. The drafting of the Bill is underway.

Enactment of the Bill and commencement of the Act is required by 11 June 2026.