About Us
The International Protection Office is responsible for processing international protection applications for asylum in Ireland
We assess whether applicants qualify for refugee status or subsidiary protection under Irish and EU law. Our Responsibilities Include:
Legal Framework
The below legislation and statutory instruments govern the function and processes of the International Protection Office.
Secondary Legislation
- S.I. No. 426 of 2013 — European Union (Subsidiary Protection) Regulations 2013 (PDF)
- S.I. No. 137 of 2015 — European Union (Subsidiary Protection) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 (PDF)
- S.I. No. 660 of 2016 — International Protection Act 2015 (Application for International Protection Form) Regulations 2016 (PDF)
- S.I. No. 661 of 2016 — International Protection Act 2015 (Establishment Day) Order 2016 (PDF)
- S.I. No. 662 of 2016 — International Protection Act 2015 (Temporary Residence Certificate) (Prescribed Information) Regulations 2016 (PDF)
- S.I. No. 663 of 2016 — International Protection Act 2015 (Commencement) (No. 3) Order 2016 (PDF)
- S.I. No. 664 of 2016 — International Protection Act 2015 (Permission to Remain) Regulations 2016 (PDF)
- S.I. No. 665 of 2016 — International Protection Act 2015 (Voluntary Return) Regulations 2016 (PDF)
- S.I. No. 666 of 2016 — International Protection Act 2015 (Places of Detention) Regulations 2016 (PDF)
- S.I. No. 667 of 2016 - International Protection Act 2015 (Travel Document) Regulations 2016 (PDF)
- S.I. No. 668 of 2016 - International Protection Act 2015 (Deportation) Regulations 2016 (PDF)
- S.I. No. 116 of 2017 - International Protection Act 2015 (Procedures and Periods for Appeals) Regulations 2017 (PDF)
- S.I. No. 409 of 2017 - European Union (Subsidiary Protection) Regulations 2017 (PDF)
- S.I. No. 62 of 2018 - European Union (Dublin System) Regulations 2018 (PDF)
- S.I. No. 119 of 2018 - International Protection Act 2015 (Section 6(2)(J)) (Commencement) Order 2018 (PDF)
- S.I. No. 121 of 2018 - International Protection Act 2015 (Safe Countries of Origin) Order 2015 (PDF)
- S.I. No.541 of 2022 - European Communities (International Protection Procedures) Regulations 2022 (PDF)
Our Decisions
How we make decisions on applications
Every application is assessed individually based on the specific circumstances and evidence provided. Our decision-makers are trained professionals who:
Independence: IPO case workers make decisions independently, free from political interference or external pressure.
Data Protection & Your Rights
In the IPO we protect your personal information
The IPO is committed to protecting your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Freedom of Information (FOI): Under the Freedom of Information Act 2014, you have the right to request access to records held by the IPO. Requests should be made in writing to our FOI unit.