A decision on refugee status for asylum seekers could be reduced to weeks under legislation due to be enacted next spring, Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald has said.

She said the heads of the legislation, which would implement a single application procedure, would go before Cabinet in the next two or three weeks.

The Minister told The Irish Times yesterday the main purpose of the legislation was to dramatically cut the time spent in direct provision. "If applicants co-operate with the process, some will have decisions in weeks and the rest within six months," she said.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said yesterday he understood the frustrations of asylum seekers waiting for up to nine years to have their applications granted, and he was anxious to have a much quicker determination process as soon as possible. He said that while cases varied and were often complicated, the delays were unacceptable.

‘Drifted on for years’

“This is quite complex and obviously one thing that needs to be looked at is the question of the determination of eligibility for asylum criteria,’’ said Mr Kenny. “Many of these cases have drifted on for years without a solution being found or a decision being made.’’

In the past fortnight, asylum seekers at reception centres in Athlone, Foynes, Portlaoise and two centres in Cork have mounted protests over direct provision and the delays in having their applications assessed.

More than 4,000 asylum seekers live in the direct provision system, a form of temporary shelter set up 14 years ago in response to greater numbers seeking refugee status.

Ms Fitzgerald and Minister of State for Equality Aodhán Ó Ríordáin are to establish a working group this month to review direct provision “within the overall budgetary, financial and accommodation situation in the State’’. Ms Fitzgerald will ask the group, made up of NGOs and department representatives, to identify any significant improvements to be made.