merrion street

The Government has published the text of the International Protection Bill 2015 and presented it to the Oireachtas for consideration. Speaking following the publication of the Bill, Minister for New Communities, Culture, Equality & National Drug Strategy, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD said:

“I welcome today’s publication of the International Protection Bill 2015. The need to reform the entire Protection Process was underpinned within the Statement of Government Priorities in July 2014 and the publication of this Bill is another step in that process.

“The reform of the protection process is something that I have prioritised since my appointment as a Minister of State.

“The early publication and enactment of this Bill is one of the key recommendations of the independent Working Group Report on the Protection Process chaired by Dr Bryan Mac Mahon published in June and demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring that asylum seekers are given the respect and dignity they deserve while their application is being considered.

“At present there are potentially five consecutive stages in the protection (including appeals) and leave to remain process. When enacted, this Bill will create a more efficient application process by introducing a single procedure mechanism and appeals process for new applicants.

“This is now largely seen as the best practice in protection systems and will bring us into line with arrangements in other EU Member States.

“I hope that the publication of this Bill today will allow the government to ensure it is enacted by the end of the year and I look forward to working with my colleagues across the various political parties in seeing its passage through the Oireachtas.”