Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
178. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration 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; if he believes that the level of communication with these groups is adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5994/26]
View answerAs 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 the 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 set at 50, and as the number of applications received exceeded that not all applications were successful. All applications submitted to the Department for consideration under the programme were subject to review by officials to ensure a fair process.
All unsuccessful applicants were notified of the position by the designated partner organisation, which for 2025 was 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.
The 2025 Programme is now complete, and arrangements are being made by department officials to facilitate the arrivals of the remaining successful applicants.
I am committed to admitting 50 applicants under humanitarian admissions for both 2026 and 2027. Further information on the programme for 2026 will be made available in due course.
