Helen McEntee

Justice minister Helen McEntee said the additional resources are necessary as between 20,000 and 25,000 international protection applications are expected over the course of 2024.

According to the Department of Justice, earlier investment to improve the international protection process was effective, with a doubling of staff resulting in a trebling of the number of decisions in the International Protection Office.

Mrs McEntee said: “Our investment in the resources and processes of the international protection system to date have had a significant impact. However, with the recent increases in international protection applications it is imperative that the progress made is not compromised.

“In anticipation of the challenges ahead, my department is developing a new resourcing plan to further increase staffing, panel members and other resources to ensure the system continues to operate efficiently and effectively.”

She added: “In addition, the measures contained in the Migration and Asylum Pact will help us deal with increased numbers of applications.

“I recognise the importance of this challenging issue to the Irish people, and I will continue to seek ways to ensure that our system works more efficiently.

“This will ensure that those who need protection are granted a permission and those that are not are sent back home.”