Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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88. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of community organisations seeking to support vulnerable people under the community sponsorship framework of the Humanitarian Admissions Programme; his views on whether the level of communication with these groups is sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66815/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Humanitarian Admissions Programme prioritises at-risk individuals such as human rights defenders, women’s rights activists, LGBTQ+ individuals, judiciary, and journalists, for admission to Ireland as programme refugees.

This is managed within the remit of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme in my Department. Over 700 people from Afghanistan have been admitted to Ireland under this programme since its inception in 2021.

In accordance with the terms of the scheme the number of admissions available under the 2025 Programme was limited to 50, and as the number of applications received far exceeded that and accordingly not all applications were successful.

The 2025 Programme is now closed for applications and arrangements are being made by my officials to facilitate the arrivals of the remaining successful applicants before the end of 2025. All applications submitted to my Department for consideration under the programme were subject to review by my officials to ensure a fair process.

All unsuccessful applicants were notified of the position by the designated partner organisation, which for 2025 is The Open Community. The Open Community offered feedback to those representing the unsuccessful applicants from both phases of the 2025 Programme, and engaged intensively with all those who attended these online sessions.

I am satisfied that the partner organisation ensured that there was clear communication with applicants and their representatives at all stages of the process. This engagement was aimed at somewhat mitigating the natural disappointment of applicants and their prospective sponsors in that regard.

I have committed to admitting 50 applicants under humanitarian admissions for both 2026 and 2027. Further information on the programme for 2026 will be made available at the appropriate time.