Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 February 2024
248. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if a danger exists that the confidentiality clause amounts to secrecy which could be contrary to the interest of such asylum seekers as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9907/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that it has been the long standing practice not to comment on individual applications for international protection.
This approach is determined by section 26 (1) of the International Protection Act 2015 which requires the Minister and the Tribunal and their respective officers shall take all practicable steps to ensure that the identity of applicants is kept confidential. The rationale behind Section 26 relates to importance of confidentiality requirements for asylum-seekers, who by definition fear persecution by the authorities of their home country and whose situation, or that of their family or friends still living in the country from which they have sought protection, can be jeopardised if the protection of their personal information is not ensured.
The applicant or their designated legal advisor can contact the International Protection Office (IPO) or the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) directly, as appropriate, for an update on the status of their application. In this way, a comprehensive update will be provided to the applicant or their legal advisor by the IPO or the IPAT as relevant and the interests of the applicant will be fully upheld. Both organisations have in place arrangements to take account of any accessibility considerations which need to be taken into account in engaging with applicants.
The International Protection Office may be contacted: by email to info@ipo.gov.ie; by telephone to the IPO Customer Service Centre at 01 6028000 or in writing to Customer Service Centre, International Protection Office, 79-83 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2.
The International Protection Appeals Tribunal may be contacted either: by email to info@protectionappeals.ie; by telephone at 01-4748400 (or Lo-Call 1890 201 458), or in writing to Corporate Services Division, The International Protection Appeals Tribunal, 6-7 Hanover Street East, Dublin D02 W320.
