There are over 35,000 international protection applications pending, with more than 20,500 appeals still waiting at the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) and 562 Judicial Reviews of asylum decisions, the Minisyter for Justice has acknowledged.
Independent TD for Offaly, Carol Nolan, has reacted to the latest figures from Minister Jim O’Callaghan, that have revealed there are 562 Judicial Reviews currently pending against decisions of the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT).
Responding to her parliamentary question, the Minister also confirmed over 35,000 international protection applications remain pending, with more than 20,500 appeals still waiting at IPAT, alongside the 562 Judicial Reviews.
Deputy Nolan also established that over 800 people subject to active deportation orders continue to reside in State-provided IPAS accommodation.
“These 562 Judicial Reviews represent hundreds of failed asylum applicants who are using every loophole and avenue to remain in Ireland despite having their claims rejected. This is exactly why our asylum system is in chaos,” Deputy Nolan said.
“While the Government boasts about processing more decisions, the reality is that failed claimants are tying up the courts, delaying deportations, and continuing to receive full accommodation and supports. Over 800 people with deportation orders still living in IPAS centres tells you everything you need to know about enforcement in this country. It’s virtually non-existent.”
“This is nothing short of a scandal. We are spending over €1.1 billion in 2026 on IPAS accommodation and supports, money that could be going towards housing families who are currently sleeping in cars, hotels, or relying on emergency accommodation.”
Deputy Nolan called on the Minister for Justice to publish a full breakdown of the 562 Judicial Reviews, including countries of origin and length of time cases have been pending:
“Warnings about this unfolding catastrophe were ignored for years and as a result the Irish people remain on the hook for billions in costs that should never have been generated in the first place.”
“All of this has led to strained services, and a housing crisis made dramatically worse by this de-facto open-door policy, not to mention the growth of an NGO industry that is using taxpayers money to fight against the decisions of IPAT at court level,” concluded Deputy Nolan.
The Minister said “there has been a significant increase in investment into the international protection system over the last years which, combined with digitisation and process reengineering, has facilitated a major increase in processing capacity and demonstrates a strong commitment to reducing cases on hand.”