Working Group on the International Protection Process
- Foilsithe: 27 Eanáir 2021
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 15 Feabhra 2022
Introduction
This working group was set up to report to Government on improvements to the International Protection Process, including Direct Provision and supports to asylum seekers.
The establishment of the Working Group arises from the Statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016 and follows on from a round-table consultation on the protection process with non-governmental organisations.
Terms of Reference
During their research the Working Group has taken the following points into consideration:
- the rights of refugees under the 1951 Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees
- the Government’s commitment to to speed up the application process by creating legislation for a single application for refugees
The Working Group is also committed to recommending improvements to the Government about the existing Direct Provision and protection process. Recommendations will also be made about various supports provided for protection applicants.
The Working Groups' recommendations will clearly outline to the Government what actions can be taken in the short and long term to:
- improve the existing application process for protection applications
- show greater respect for the dignity of persons in the system
- improve their applicants quality of life by improving current support and services
The Working Group will also work to:
- ensure taxpayers contributions to overall costs of the protection system are reduced or remain close to current rates
- ensure existing border controls and immigration procedures are not compromised
Committee Members
Members
| Members' Name | Organisation | Title | |
| Dr. Bryan McMahon | Formerly of the High Court | Chairperson | |
| Dr. Ciara Smyth | Lecturer in Law | ||
| Dan Murphy | Former General Secretary of PSEU and ex-President ICTU | ||
| Eugene Quinn | Director, Jesuit Refugee Service Ireland | ||
| Fiona Finn | CEO, NASC – Irish Immigrant Support Centre | ||
| Greg Straton | Director, SPIRASI | ||
| Stephen Ng’ang’a** | IRC Core Group of Asylum Seekers and Refugees | ||
| Sophie Magennis | Head of Office, UNHCR | ||
| Tanya Ward | CEO, Children’s Rights Alliance | ||
| Tim Dalton | Retired Secretary General of the Department of Justice |
Representatives of Government Departments /Offices
| Members' Name | Organisation | |
| Michele Clarke | Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth | |
| Brian Power | Department of Education and Skills | |
| Caitriona O’Brien | Department of Education and Skills | |
| Aidan O’Connor | Department of Environment, Community and Local Government | |
| Michael Kelly | Department of Justice | |
| Noel Dowling | Department of Justice | |
| Ronan Gallagher | Department of Public Expenditure and Reform | |
| Jackie Harrington | Department of Social Protection | |
| Mary O’Sullivan | Department of Social Protection | |
| Patrick Lynch | Health Service Executive | |
| David Costello | Commissioner Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner | |
| Caroline Daly | Office of the Attorney General | |
| Barry Magee, Chairman | Refugee Appeals Tribunal | |
| Madeleine Halpin | Tusla |
- * Sue Conlan, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council tendered her resignation from the Working Group as of 26th March 2015.
- ** Stephen Ng’ang’a replaced Reuben Hambakachere as of 21st April 2015.
Meeting documents
Summary of Progress - Working Group on the International Protection Process
Plenary Minutes of the Working Group
Submissions from Interested Parties
First Audit of Progress on Improvements to the Protection Process (June 2016)
Second Audit of Progress on Improvements to the Protection Process (February 2017)
Third and Final Progress Report on Improvements to the Protection Process (July 2017)