Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 February 2021
589. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 244 of 9 September 2020, if she has considered the report of the chairperson of the International Protection Appeals Tribunal in relation to the matter; the actions taken on foot of the report; if the report will be published; if a review of all IPAT decisions made by the person will be undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8096/21]
View answerThe International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) is a statutorily independent body and exercises a quasi-judicial function under the International Protection Act 2015. I can confirm that a report was received from the Tribunal’s chairperson on the matter referred to by the Deputy. Given the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
Any decision in relation to reviewing decisions made on appeals is a matter for the Chairperson of the Tribunal, who is independent in their functions under the International Protection Act 2015.
IPAT also has a process in place to quality assure decisions taken, including external validation, on an ongoing basis.
Ireland follows the guidance of the UNHCR and the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) in relation to claims for international protection. Training for International Protection Office (IPO) caseworkers and interviewers and IPAT Tribunal Members is very comprehensive and is conducted in conjunction with the UNHCR and EASO. The IPO training includes a module in relation to interview techniques and how interviews are conducted. The Tribunal provides initial as well as ongoing training to its Members, including modules on evidence and credibility assessments and the conduct of hearings.
The Difference, Stigma, Shame, Harm (DSSH) model has also been incorporated into training for caseworkers and Tribunal Members. The model is designed to help the applicant provide a detailed narrative and to be a sensitive and appropriate way of assessing credibility in sexual orientation/gender identity (SOGI) claims. The DSSH model is endorsed by the UNHCR and has been adopted by Finland, Sweden, the UK and Ireland amongst other countries. In addition, further written guidance on assessing SOGI claims has been provided to all staff and panel members.
