The Chairperson of the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (hereinafter ‘the Tribunal’), in furtherance of ensuring the efficiency of the functions of the Tribunal in accordance with fairness and natural justice, has issued a new and updated Administrative Practice Note (‘APN’). This APN shall be read in conjunction with the provisions of the International Protection Act 2015 (‘the 2015 Act’) and the International Protection Act 2015 (Procedures and Periods for Appeal) Regulations 2017 (‘the 2017 Regulations’), and all Guidelines issued by the Chairperson pursuant to section 63(2) of the 2015 Act. In the case of any ambiguity or conflict, the legislation shall take precedence. The previous version of this APN which entered into force on 31 July 2020 is hereby revoked.
While the previous APN specifically addressed circumstances arising due to the COVID-19 pandemic, issues relating to pandemic related measures are now addressed in the News section of the Tribunal website. In relation to matters of health and safety, the Tribunal is guided by advices from the Department of Justice’s Health and Safety Manager.
This APN may be amended from time to time as the need arises, and appellants, their legal representatives and presenting officers are advised to keep themselves apprised of any changes, which will be noted in the News section of the Tribunal website.
By setting out this APN, the Tribunal expects that all parties appearing before the Tribunal will be aware of its procedures. All parties appearing before the Tribunal should be aware that a failure to comply with the provisions of this APN may lead to unnecessary delays in the processing and determining of appeals, and may be considered a failure to co-operate within the meaning of sections 27 and 45 of the 2015 Act.
In accordance with the Tribunal’s values as set out in its Strategy Statement 2021-2023, the Tribunal is committed to treating all parties who appear before it with respect, dignity and consideration. The Tribunal expects the same standards of behaviour from all parties appearing before it.
You can view the Administrative Practice Note here.