Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
26. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department has an estimated projected savings for the State under the new TARA system for IPAS applicant sorting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35771/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
While projections for future levels of international protections applications are uncertain and impacted by a range of factors, the introduction of the Pact is expected to better respond, firstly by reducing secondary movement through the EU, and secondly through the increased use of significantly accelerated processes.
This faster decision-making means that successful applicants will be granted international protection sooner, and those whose applications are refused can be returned to their country of origin sooner.
In relation to processing costs to the State, this will be settled annually in the course of engagement on the Estimates process, as is currently the case.
In the medium to long-term this investment will show a return in the form of decreasing annual costs because of the improved, faster processing it will enable, thereby reducing the time an applicant remains in the system, and reducing significant accommodation and other costs.
