UN agency hails draft law in Ireland that would speed asylum for refugees
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 31 January 2008 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, UN agency hails draft law in Ireland that would speed asylum for refugees, 31 January 2008, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/47baa4b01e.html [accessed 5 November 2019] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The new Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill offered “a unique opportunity to strengthen Ireland's existing asylum system by introducing a single asylum procedure,” said Manuel Jordão, Representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Ireland.
The draft legislation, which must be tabled in parliament, would bring Irish law in line with the European Union's asylum directives while simplifying the asylum process. The current multi-stage system, criticized by Ireland's Department of Justice as far too lengthy, would enable decision-makers to examine grounds for protection with wider scope to make a ruling at the initial and appeals stages of the asylum process.
Mr. Jordão said the bill would enhance the quality of asylum decisions, greatly reduce the risk of gaps occurring in the assessment of asylum claims, speed up decision-making and reduce the time asylum seekers live in accommodation centres.
