The Department of Justice has announced a significant acceleration in the processing of asylum applications in Ireland, committing to a much faster turnaround under newly submitted plans to implement the EU Migration and Asylum Pact.
At the moment, individuals seeking asylum in Ireland can wait up to 29 months before receiving a final decision on their application for international protection. This extended timeframe includes the period between an initial rejection and the outcome of an appeal.
According to the new framework, which has been submitted to the European Commission, all asylum applications will be processed within six months starting from next summer.
The move aims to reduce the current backlog of cases, ensure a more efficient and fair asylum system, and provide greater certainty for applicants.
The government has faced criticism in recent years over delays in the international protection system, with concerns raised about the prolonged uncertainty faced by asylum seekers waiting for decisions on their status.
Under the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, countries are encouraged to process applications efficiently while maintaining fair and humane treatment for those seeking protection. The Department of Justice has indicated that additional resources and staffing will be allocated to ensure the success of the accelerated system.
Government officials and advocacy groups will be closely monitoring the implementation of these new measures to assess their effectiveness in practice.
