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Irish Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
Number of people seeking asylum in Ireland down for first time in 10 years
The number of people seeking political asylum in Ireland has decreased for the first time in years. There have been 43 per cent fewer applications for the first six months of 2025 compared to the first six months of 2024, the Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan revealed. But there are still a staggering 33,822 asylum seekers waiting for a decision on their applications from the International Protection Office. A total of 14,161 of these cases have been refused and are now engaged in the appeal process. Those appealing the decisions are allowed to remain in Ireland while their cases are dealt with by the International Protection Appeals Tribunal. The International Protection Office delivered 14,000 first decisions last year compared to 8,500 in 2023. The Minister said there will be further growth in the refugee decision making process in 2025 . Mr O'Callaghan stated: "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. "Since the introduction of accelerated processing the number of applicants from these groups has dropped significantly.' It is understood they relate largely to Georgia, Albania and South Africa. The Minister said the number of International Protection applications had been rising over the past number of years reaching 18,500 in 2024. He added: "There have been 43 per cent less applications in the first six months of 2025 compared to the first six months of 2024. "There are currently 33,822 pending International Protection applications at various points of the International Protection process." He also disclosed that the cost of keeping an asylum seeker at international protection accommodation centres including state run premises is now €84 per night. This has increased by €16 on last year when the cost per person was €68 per night. The Minister was responding to a series of parliamentary questions on the issue from the Monaghan/Cavan Sinn Fein TD Matt Carty. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
The Journal
04-07-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Over 22% of jobs at International Protection Appeals Tribunal are currently sitting empty
OVER 22% OF the jobs at the International Protection Appeals Tribunal are currently sitting empty. The International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) was established in December 2016 and is the appeal body for applicants for international protection. Sinn Féin's justice spokesperson Matt Carthy recently lodged a Parliamentary Question with Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan on the current number of vacancies in IPAT. In response, O'Callaghan's office revealed that there are currently 87 people employed with IPAT and 25 vacancies. Carthy noted that this represents a vacancy rate of over 22% in relation to the overall staffing levels at IPAT. O'Callaghan said his Department has been 'actively recruiting for additional whole-time and part-time Tribunal Members over the last two years'. He added that he 'expects to be in a position to significantly increase the number of part-time and whole time Members between now and the end of 2025'. O'Callaghan also noted that the number of staff at IPAT has increased from 37 at the start of 2023 to 87. He further remarked that there's been a 'substantial increase in resourcing to IPAT through both its budget and staffing' and that its budget has increased by 95% since 2023. Advertisement While Carthy acknowledged a 'notable increase in IPAT staff and budgeting', he added that the 'level of vacancy shows there are significant problems'. 'This level of vacancy is undoubtedly creating issues in terms of the length of time it is taking to process international protection applications, including those related to people from countries subjected to accelerated procedures,' said Carthy. He added that the 'current level of vacancies in IPAT also raises serious questions about the government's plans in relation to the EU's Asylum and Migration Pact '. Carthy said additional staff will be required for IPAT under the government's plans and that with the current level of vacancy, 'it is hard to see how the government is going to deliver on its own plans and targets'. Meanwhile, there are currently 614 staff within the International Protection Office (IPO), an increase of 190% since 2022. However, there are 69 vacancies. The IPO is responsible for examining and processing applications for international protection. O'Callaghan remarked that recruitment and appointments are continuing. He added that vacancies 'need to be seen against the backdrop of dramatic expansion in staff numbers in recent years, such that the level of staff deployed in this field is by far the highest it has ever been'. Meanwhile, the average tenure at the IPO is 21 months and 26 months within IPAT. The Department of Justice has been approached for comment. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Examiner
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Oral appeal hearings on asylum decisions to be 'extremely limited' under legislation
The use of oral appeal hearings for asylum seekers is to be severely limited in a bid to speed up the process. The minister for justice, Jim O'Callaghan, will on Tuesday bring to Cabinet a new act to govern the international protection system in Ireland: The International Protection Bill 2025. It will aim to implement an accelerated processing system for those from designated safe countries of origin, applicants who have received protection elsewhere in Europe, citizens of countries from which there are the largest number of applicants, and countries which have already seen numbers applying for asylum here dropping. The bill is designed to prepare Ireland for the EU's Migration Pact. Overall, there has been a drop of 42% in the number of applications in the first three months of 2025 when compared to the first three months of 2024. Under the new laws, officers in the system will be able to directly issue decisions on international protection and returns — rather than recommendations. It is then proposed to establish a new second instance body to deal with appeals. 'Drive efficiency' This body would operate separately from the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (Ipat) and will only deal with appeals made under the new laws, but will see the use of oral hearings become "extremely limited", according to government sources. They added that this would "drive efficiency and time savings". A government source said that the current system, which allows for oral appeal hearings, makes applications take longer and "doubles up" on the decision-making process. The bill will also see asylum applicants undergo more detail biometric screening, rather than just fingerprinting and will see screening centres used as a "one stop shop" to register and lodge applications, complete relevant checks, determine the appropriate pathway for applicants, and to provide legal counselling. Meanwhile, the minister for foreign affairs and defence, Simon Harris, will tell ministers that his department has identified four countries with which it will now enter into formal negotiations with a view to beginning the rollout of the country's first military radar programme from 2026. The rollout of the programme will begin in phases and be completed in 2028, according to sources. The Tánaiste is expected to tell Cabinet that, once fully in place, Ireland's radar system will have the capability to detect all aircraft traversing our airspace — including any that may be operating with their transponders turned off. Taoiseach Micheál Martin, on behalf of the chief whip Mary Butler, will bring the summer legislation programme to Cabinet. The programme will include bills on the deployment of peacekeepers, the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) (Amendment) Bill, and the Short-Term Letting and Tourism Bill. Read More Academics cancel US travel over fears of harassment and visa issues at border control
