Government Organizations

International Protection Office (IPO)

The International Protection Office (IPO) is responsible for examining international protection applications (i.e. asylum applications). The independence of IPO officers making decisions on asylum applications is protected under Irish law. To claim asylum in Ireland, other than at a port of entry (e.g. airport or seaport), you must apply in person to the IPO’s office.

The IPO is responsible for the following services:

  • Registering asylum seekers and providing Temporary Residence Certificates to asylum-seekers
  • Examining asylum applications and recommending if someone should be granted refugee status or subsidiary protection
  • Carrying out Permission to Remain review for the Minister of Justice and Equality

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International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT)

The IPAT is an independent appeals Tribunal. It examines appeals of persons who the International Protection Office (IPO) recommend should not receive international protection (i.e. refugee status or subsidiary protection). 

The IPAT is responsible for the following services:

  • Hearing and determining appeals on negative asylum decisions
  • Hearing and determining appeals under the Dublin Regulation
  • Hearing and determining appeals for subsequent applications and inadmissible applications
  • Hearing and determining appeals under the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018

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Immigration Service Delivery (ISD)

Immigration Service Delivery is responsible for administering the functions of the Minister of Justice and Equality in relation to asylum, immigration (including visas) and citizenship matters.

ISD is responsible for a number of services, including:

  • Visas to come to Ireland for non-EU/EEA & non-Swiss nationals
  • Processing applications for citizenship
  • Voluntary Return

The contact details for INIS’s different services are available here: http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/contact

Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC)

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is Ireland’s national human rights and equality institution, mandated by government to protect and promote human rights and equality in Ireland and build a culture of respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding in the State. Although publicly funded, it is independent of government.

IHREC is responsible for the following:

  • Providing information to the Irish public in relation to their human rights and available remedies under equality and human rights law in Ireland
  • Making recommendations to the Government in relation to measures that strengthen, protect and uphold human rights and equality in the State
  • Providing practical assistance, including legal assistance in certain circumstances, to persons vindicating their rights

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Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB)

All non-nationals who are not citizens of a member State of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau if they intend to stay in Ireland for longer than 3 months and at all times have in their possession a valid registration certificate in the form of a Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card. The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) carries out deportations, border control and investigations relating to illegal immigration.

GNIB is responsible for the following services:

  • Immigration permission to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days
  • Registration services once you have been given permission to stay in Ireland
  • Issuing Irish Residence Permits (IRPs)

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International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS)

The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is responsible for the procurement and overall administration of State-provided accommodation and other services for asylum-seekers and suspected victims of human trafficking.

IPAS is responsible for the following services:

  • Arranging accommodation and other necessary services for asylum-seekers and suspected victims of human trafficking
  • Accommodating asylum-seekers at reception centres in Dublin for an initial period to provide orientation, a voluntary health screening, a needs assessment and assistance with the first steps of asylum applications
  • Monitoring the operation of accommodation centres and coordinating the provision of services at the centres

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Tusla, the Child and Family Agency

Tusla is the dedicated State agency responsible for child protection. It provides child protection, early intervention and family support services in Ireland. This includes responsibility for the care of unaccompanied minors who are in Ireland claiming asylum.

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Citizens Information Board

The Citizens Information Board is a statutory body which supports the provision of information, advice and advocacy on a broad range of public and social services. It provides the Citizens Information website, which contains comprehensive information on public services and the entitlements of residents and supports the voluntary network of Citizens Information Centres around the country and the Citizens Information phone service.

To find a citizens information centre near you please see: http://centres.citizensinformation.ie/

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