Question
109. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will report on the delay in the processing of an application (details supplied); if this application can now be expedited in view of the already lengthy wait; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26932/16]
Answer
Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that if the person whose details were supplied has made an application for asylum or subsidiary protection in the State, the Deputy will be aware that it is not the practice to comment on such applications until they have fully completed the protection process. This is in accordance with Section 19(1) of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) which makes provision for the protection of the identity of protection applicants.