Working Group on the International Protection Process

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.

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

Members

Representatives of Government Departments /Offices

• * 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.

Summary of Progress - Working Group on the International Protection Process

Work Programme

Report to Government on Improvements to the Protection Process, including Direct Provision and Supports to Asylum Seekers

Executive Summary of the Report to Government on Improvements to the Protection Process, including Direct Provision and Supports to Asylum Seekers

Plenary Minutes of the Working Group

Submissions from Members

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)