Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
827. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of applications still governed by the International Protection Act 2015 under the transitional provisions of the 2026 Act; the average processing time for those legacy cases; the steps being taken to prevent the new regime from inheriting or exacerbating the existing backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34515/26]
View answerThe International Protection Act was passed into law last month and gives effect to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact. The Pact will provide a fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedure. The new rules will take effect on 12 June 2026 and my Department continues to prepare in advance of this date.
From 12 June 2026 there will in effect be two parallel systems running side by side. Those applications being processed under the International Protection Act 2015, the so-called legacy cases, and those being processed under the International Protection Act 2026.
Over recent years 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 and demonstrates a strong commitment to reducing cases on hand.
In 2025, the International Protection Office (IPO) delivered over 20,200 first decisions compared to approximately 14,100 in 2024: a 44% increase. The International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) more than doubled the number of appeals closed from 3,100 in 2024 to nearly 6,300 in 2025.
In 2026 the median processing time for IPO first instance decisions is currently 12 months (accelerated cases are processed in 2 months, while standard cases are processed in 16 months).
The median processing time for International Protection Appeals is 12.7 months. The median processing time under the accelerated procedure is 6.9 months and 16.1 months for all other appeals.
There are currently 35,129 cases on hand across the international protection system. These figures are detailed below:
|
Pending IP Applications |
|
|
IPO |
13,199 |
|
IPAT |
20,457 |
|
PTR Review |
1,379 |
|
MDU |
94 |
|
Total |
35,129 |
Notes:
- IPO figures are to COB 6 May 2025.
- Please note IPAT figures are to COB 3 May 2025.
Data correct at time of issue and may be subject to data cleansing.
The Pact introduces faster processing of asylum claims with a much more efficient decision-making system. Faster decision-making will mean that successful applicants will be granted international protection sooner, and those whose applications are refused can be returned to their country of origin sooner. Ultimately, improved, faster processing will also result in decreasing annual costs by reducing the time an applicant remains in the system.
