They are:

• an online Information Hub for people seeking protection
• the AIDA 2023 annual review of Ireland’s international protection process
• an updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document.

The resources are intended to meet the growing demand for comprehensive and accurate information about Ireland’s international protection system at a time of increased polarisation, misinformation, and disinformation.

The Information Hub provides people seeking protection and refugees with access to up-to-date information about the international protection process, particularly on entitlements, how to obtain official documents and access crucial services. People seeking protection who are homeless can also access information on supports available to them. The videos on the Hub are in English and Arabic, with subtitles currently available in Pashto and French.

The FAQ provides updated answers to many of the topical questions on international protection, including why a person may not produce a passport on arrival, what happens when they lodge their international protection application, their accommodation entitlements, and statistical trends in comparison with other European Union (EU) countries.

The European Council on Refugees and Exiles’ Asylum Information Database (AIDA) 2023 annual reports contain information on asylum procedures, reception conditions, detention and content of international protection across 23 countries. The Irish Refugee Council compiles the annual report for Ireland.

Irish Refugee Council information and advocacy service manager Hanna Dwyer said: “The Information Hub is our response to the growing demand for services observed by us and other organisations working with people seeking protection and refugees. We hope to expand the number of languages offered beyond the four currently available.

“We believe this approach effectively alleviates the pressure on our services, while ensuring the needs of people who use our services are met at a time and place convenient for them. We are grateful to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for the funding that made the production of the videos possible.”