One of the problems with derelict sites relates to title difficulties. Local authorities have a power to resolve this by using CPOs to assist developers. We do not seem to have been successful in getting local authorities to engage with people. If they did engage, I am of the view that many of the issues that obtain could be resolved. The other issue that needs to be resolved in the constituency and Deputy Gould and I represent relates to Blackpool. Development cannot take place because the flood relief programme for which we identified a need 12 years ago is still sitting on someone's desk. The people who want to develop cannot get insurance for flood relief and have difficulty in borrowing money for their projects as a result. These are two issues that the Department should be dealing with in conjunction with local authorities, namely assisting people to resolve title difficulties by using the CPO powers and going back to the developer to resolve the title issues and implementing the flood relief programme for Blackpool that was drawn up 12 years ago and that is still sitting on someone's desk, with nothing done about it.

Sentiment score: 0.33

123. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice for the up to date position on the roll-out nationally of distinct family law courts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24868/25]

Sentiment score: 0.18

What action is the Department taking to reduce the application and appeals timeframe for international protection? Will the Minister make a statement on the matter, particularly in view of the fact that there has been a substantial increase in the number of applications in 2024, when there were 18,651 in total? What action is the Department taking to expedite the appeals process and to deal with applications overall?

Sentiment score: 0.18

As the Minister outlined, there are 12,600 appeals on hand, but there was a substantial increase in the number of applicants in 2023, when the figure was 13,277. In 2024, the figure was 18,651. In the first three months of this year, there were 3,021. This means an average of 1,000 per month, which is 12,000 per year. We must consider how we can expedite the whole appeals process, deal with it more efficiently and get decisions made. This obviously means numbers because the sum of the applications for both 2023 and 2024 is 30,000 in real terms. This has to be dealt with really quickly because if the appeals are not dealt with in a timely manner, we will have further difficulties with accommodation and the deportation of those who are not here legally. I ask that every effort be made to improve the appeals process, appoint the additional staff to deal with the appeals and have timely delivery of decisions.

Sentiment score: 0.16

I accept what the Minister is saying. Both of us, coming from a legal background, will know we also have to be careful not only about the issue of constitutional rights but also about the fear regarding judicial review. Once an applicant enters a judicial review process, we have a difficulty. It is extremely important that we get the appeals process correct but it is also important that we have an efficient and effective appeals process that operates in a timely manner. I am really concerned about the numbers from 2023 and 2024. What numbers of appeals are pending since 2021, 2022 and 2023? Is there a breakdown of the figures for appeals still in the processing stage? That there are still appeals at stage means there are people here for more than four years who may not be legally entitled to be here.

Sentiment score: 0.01

Could I get a breakdown of the timeframe regarding the 12,600?

Sentiment score: 0.00