Cabinet set to approve significant reform of asylum rules

Tomas Doherty

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan is seeking approval to progress legislation which will lead to significant changes in the State's international protection system.

The Cabinet is expected to sign off on the proposals on Tuesday which will reform the current system to improve decision times.

The changes would introduce new limits on asylum seeker applications – a three-month deadline will be imposed for processing times, while the use of hearings will be restricted.

A new State body will be introduced with responsibility for appeals, and officers will be given new powers to issue deportations without sign off from the Minister for Justice.

The stricter regulations mean asylum seekers whose applications are denied will find it much harder to contest the decision.

After Cabinet sign off, the new rules will be subject to a Dáil vote.

It is understood the Government is hoping to get the legislation passed before the State implements the EU Migration Pact next year.