The letter informing an appellant of the decision to recommend the refusal of their application will inform them of their right to appeal to the International Protection Tribunal as well as the time limit within which an appeal must be submitted.

The letter informing a person of a negative decision of the International Protection Officer or the Minister should enclose an appeal form. These forms can also be downloaded from our website (button below).

If an appeal requires an oral hearing, the appellant will be notified in writing of the date. Every effort is made to ensure that all appeals are dealt with as quickly as is compatible with fairness and natural justice.

Legal advice

Applicants may apply for legal aid so that they can have the assistance of a lawyer before the Tribunal. Please note that all solicitors representing appellants before the Tribunal must be registered with the Law Society of Ireland. In Ireland, if a person cannot afford a lawyer for an appeal before the Tribunal they will be provided one for free.

Submitting an appeal

Before submitting an appeal:

  • Ensure that the correct form for the relevant appeal is completed
  • Ensure that the appeal is submitted within the correct time frame (as stated in the decision letter)
  • Ensure that comprehensive grounds of appeal are submitted
  • Ensure all sections of the appeal have been completed
  • Sign the form – the form must be signed by the applicant

Please Note:

The International Protection Act 2026 gives effect to the measures of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact.
A new State body, the Tribunal for Asylum and Returns Appeals (TARA) was established on 12 June 2026 to assess appeals under the 2026 Act.
If you have applied for international protection on or after 12 June 2026, and you have received a first-instance decision, please contact TARA if you wish to appeal that decision.

The International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) will continue to operate and process appeals under the existing International Protection Act 2015 (as amended) i.e. those applications determined by the International Protection Office before 12 June 2026.
Please note that the IPAT will not receive any emails or correspondence sent to the TARA. When corresponding with the IPAT, please ensure that you are using the correct address/email address.

Appeal Forms

You can submit your appeal form either by email or by post.

By Email: [email protected]

By Post:
The International Protection Appeals Tribunal
6/7 Hanover Street East
Dublin
D02 W320
Ireland
Freephone: 1800 201 458

Further information about the Appeals Process and the International Protection Appeals Tribunal can be found in our Information leaflet.

Additional information about practice and procedure at the Tribunal may be found in the Administrative Practice Note.

This page was last updated on June 18, 2026