Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan. Photo: PA
Failed asylum-seekers will find it much harder to appeal a decision if their application for international protection is rejected, under a major overhaul of the system to come before the Cabinet today.
The rules will also see a new screening process for those arriving in the country and a three-month deadline for processing applications.
The proposals will be brought to the Cabinet by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan in what is being billed as the biggest overhaul of migration law in the history of the State.
The new rules will be voted on in the Dáil before the introduction of the EU Migration Pact next summer, which Ireland has already committed to signing up to.
Under the proposed International Protection Bill 2025, oral hearings in cases where people have had their application for international protection rejected will be curtailed.
The rules would also mean decisions on granting international protection and returns will no longer have to go to the Justice Minister for approval.
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Instead of this “cumbersome” process, officers of the minister would be appointed to directly issue decisions in an effort to “bring about new efficiencies”.
The bill would establish a Second instance Body to deal with appeals.
The use of oral hearings – which can currently take up to a year to be heard and require the appointment of legal interpreters – will be “extremely limited” in an effort to “drive efficiency and savings,” according to a briefing note for the Cabinet.
There will be a new “border procedure” for quicker return of migrants which will apply to those who mislead authorities or present a security risk.
All international protection applicants would be obliged to undergo screening. This would determine whether they pose a threat to national security or public order. However, screening would also involve health and vulnerability checks.
Mr O’Callaghan, who signalled a tougher line on migration since taking over the portfolio in February, will tell the Cabinet there has been a 42pc drop in the number of international protection applications in the first three months of this year compared with last year.
The bill must be passed before Ireland implements the EU Migration Pact which is due to come into effect next year.
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