Civil Legal Aid and Advice for International Protection Cases

Changes to the International Protection System in Ireland

Changes took place to the international protection system in Ireland as of 31st December 2016. Instead of applying separately for refugee status and subsidiary protection, a person now makes one single application for international protection.

If you are applying for international protection in Ireland, civil legal aid and advice can help you with your application. You can apply for legal services at any time but it is important to do so as soon as possible.

How do I apply for civil legal aid and advice to help with an international protection application?

You will need to make an application to one of our Law Centres that deals with applications for international protection. If you are eligible we will arrange an appointment for you at one of these Law Centres.

What will legal aid cover?

Civil legal aid and advice will help you with your application for international protection to the International Protection Office (IPO) and your appeal to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT).

Civil legal aid for an international protection application will not help you with a judicial review of how the decision on your application was made but you might be able to get civil legal aid for that separately.

How much will it cost?      

 You may have to pay a contribution of €10 that covers both legal advice and, if you need it, legal aid. You can request that the Board waive this contribution on hardship grounds. Please ask a member of staff when making your application.

Where can I get more information on applying for international protection in Ireland?

You can find information on the process of applying for international protection in Ireland on the Citizens' Information and IPO websites.

We also have an information leaflet on the international protection process.