Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 November 2025
384. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration 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]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
