As part of their policy platform, Sinn Féin has announced plans to establish a new standalone agency to oversee migration into Ireland. The proposed agency would consolidate existing bodies, including the International Protection Office (IPO), under a single entity responsible for accommodating asylum seekers, processing applications, and managing deportations.
Party leader Mary Lou McDonald emphasized the goal of cutting the current wait time for asylum applications in half, down to six months. This represents a significant reduction compared to the lengthy processing times that have plagued the system in recent years.
By creating a dedicated migration agency, Sinn Féin aims to bring greater efficiency and streamlining to the management of migration-related issues in Ireland. The party believes this centralized approach will help address the backlog and lengthy delays that asylum seekers often face when navigating the current fragmented system.
The proposal is part of Sinn Féin’s broader policy platform addressing immigration and asylum, as the party seeks to present a comprehensive solution to modernize Ireland’s migration frameworks. Improving the timeliness and effectiveness of asylum application processing is a key priority for the party, which hopes to deliver a more responsive and humane system for those seeking refuge in Ireland.