Departmental Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2023

Tuesday, 30 May 2023

Questions (541)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

541. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 535 of 23 May 2023, and in light of the fact that the scheme was limited to 500 people, and 450 have been offered a place, if the remaining 363 applications are being processed to fill the remaining 50 places; if not, whether there is an intention to increases the number of people who will be allowed to come to Ireland under the scheme, with particular reference to, if there is no increase planned, the reason all of the applications were not accessed prior to deciding who would get the limited places, the basis upon which it was decided to prioritise and accept some cases for approval prior to all cases being assessed, or if the scheme is to be extended beyond 500, whether spaces will be provided for all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26156/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I understand that this is a difficult situation for our Afghan community and their loved ones. My Department has to date issued 450 approvals for beneficiaries under the Afghan Admission Programme.

The impetus behind the Afghan Admission Programme has always been a humanitarian one of reaching out to our Afghan community, including the Afghan Council. It was in this spirit that my Department contacted applicants directly to gather the required documents where applications were missing important information such as proof of identity and familial relationships.

It is in this spirit of humanitarianism and pragmatism that I have asked my Department to continue working on the remaining applications. My Department is currently examining the applications on hand that meet the criteria of the Afghan Admission Programme. A decision on admissions will be made soon.