A review of the International Protection system by NGOs, academics, migrant representatives and the think-tank Social Justice Ireland has stated that a fair, timely, and humane asylum process is essential.
It follows the introduction of proposed legislation to cabinet by the Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan last week, who said a series of procedures on immigration laws would make the system fairer and more efficient.
The Bill would change asylum laws by giving effect to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact; aligning Ireland with other member states.
The group, known as the Migrations in Our Common Home Roundtable has described the moment as an opportunity to build a protection process rooted in human rights, dignity, and the rule of law.
'Migrations in in Our Common Home' says that Ireland's current system "exhibits critical strengths", such as legal structures grounded in the International Protection Act 2015 and access to appeals through the International Protection Appeals Tribunal.
However, it says long processing delays, inconsistent legal access, substandard accommodation, and a lack of trauma-informed and vulnerability-sensitive care are undermining those critical strengths.
The report says challenges are exacerbated by public misinformation, political pressure, and an ongoing housing crisis that pre-dates the increases in applications for protection which has pushed parts of the reception system to collapse.
It suggests reforms like the expansion of legal aid and interpreter training as well as the development of transition pathways to support successful applicants to integrate.
The report has acknowledged the legitimacy and necessity for the State to maintain control over its borders and implement effective and lawful return procedures for those whose claims are ultimately unsuccessful.
However, it says procedures must recognise that a person who has been denied a leave to remain is not a criminal to be deported, but a person to be properly assisted and treated with dignity as arrangements are made for their exit from the state.
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