July 2026

This information is relevant to International Protection Applicants who applied for protection before 12 June 2026 – under the 2015 Act and not the EU Pact 2026.

Information changes so always check with a reliable source. This is not legal advice.

Preparing for an IPAT interview

Receiving a negative first instance decision (a refusal) is disappointing and stressful as you consider what to do next. Voluntary Return is an option which some people choose, but most applicants choose to appeal the decision. The appeal is lodged by your solicitor within 10 working days of getting the refusal. 

The statistics in 2025 show that about 20% of applicants are granted Refugee Status or Subsidiary Protection following their main interview. Of those who appeal, approximately 30% are granted Refugee Status or Subsidiary Protection. That is a meaningful second chance, so preparation matters. 

Preparing for your Appeal

Understanding your refusal is essential in preparing for your appeal. The IPO document explains why you were refused. These reasons become your guide for the appeal.  

Among the five most common reasons are lack of detail, inconsistencies, contradicting country reports, credibility concerns, and not meeting the criteria. There may be other reasons as well.  

How do you respond to these reasons? 

1. Document everything now: the dates, names, locations, sequences of events. Some people find it useful to write everything in a diary format similar to this.  

 Date:

What happened:

Evidence:

You can find a template for this timeline here. 

2. Inconsistencies often happen from forgetting details over time. Review your IPO questionnaire and interview transcript side by side. Look for any inconsistencies before the appeal. If there are legitimate explanations (trauma affecting memory, translation issues, misunderstanding a question), prepare to explain them clearly. 

3. Gather supporting evidence such as medical reports or police reports. While it may not be possible to get these, you can show proof such as a copy of an email request, that you tried.  

4. Search for country-of-origin reports that closely resemble your experience. Select articles that are written within the dates relevant to your experience. Make it easier for the legal teams to prepare for the appeal by sending the most relevant reports only. 

Your solicitor

Your solicitor is your legal representative through the process. S/he is there to support you as you prepare for the appeal. The solicitor prepares the appeal document and will ask you to send any additional evidence/documents you have. Send these in as soon as you have them and if possible, forward to the IPO at info@ipo.gov.ie. Always include your ID number in all submissions.  

Solicitors often wait until you have the interview date, before speaking to you directly. 

Some solicitors may not reply to your messages immediately. If you want to start working on your appeal, make a list of the reasons you were refused and email them to your solicitor.  Ask your solicitor if you have understood correctly and have you missed anything.  

Remember to tell your solicitor in advance if you have any special requests for the interview (for example, needing breaks, access to the building, breastfeeding room).  You can also request an in-person or remote interview, but this may or may not be accepted. Take a note of any questions you have for your solicitor

The IPAT interview

The aim of the appeal interview is to give you an opportunity to explain your claim for international protection, clarify questions that remain and add any new information that could support your application.  

The interview may take place in person or remotely using a device. This is known as an AV (Audio Visual) hearing. More information on this is available here.  

Your solicitor will talk to you in advance and explain what to expect.   

Unlike the first interview, the solicitor will attend the interview with you. An interpreter will also be present, if needed.   

The Tribunal Member will ask you and your solicitor questions. Answer truthfully and in detail.  

This IPAT video shows how the IPAT interview works. 

If you are successful, you will be notified in writing. And then you can start to prepare for the next stage in your life in Ireland. 

Voluntary Return

If your appeal is refused, you will be offered Voluntary Return. 

The 5-day voluntary return deadline is short.  Even if you are not considering it now, it is important to know what is on offer in advance.   

Both the IOM (International Organisation of Migration) and the Department of Justice help with Voluntary Return. This link will bring you to the relevant information and explains the difference between voluntary return and deportation.

Options atfer IPAT refusal

A decision can be challenged but it requires a High Court judicial review on a point of law. It examines if the process was followed correctly. Your solicitor will discuss if this is an option and they may advise on other options. Further information is available here. 

A final word

On occasion, a solicitor may suggest there is a further option after the IPAT refusal.  It is possible you will be asked to pay for this service. It is important to ask the solicitor on what grounds they plan to challenge the decision.  It is worth asking how successful they have been with other clients in similar situations.  Always check the solicitor is registered with the Law Society of Ireland