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 why you were unsuccessful is important 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. Detail is very important. Write everything down, the dates, names, locations, sequence of events. Give as much detail as you can when asked a question. Applicants often say, “I wasn’t asked that”, but if you think it is important, include it. Some people find it helpful to document things in a diary format in 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 contact@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, preference for female/male interviewer, access/support needs, 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, further 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. 

Options after final negative decision

If you receive a final negative decision, you will receive a letter which explains that you are no longer an international protection applicant and cannot renew your TRC. This letter will tell you that you have 5 working days to agree to voluntary return and if you don’t agree, you will be issued with a deportation order. 

You can ask your solicitor if you have any other options. These could include a judicial review or a review of the IPO decision on permission to remain. You have 5 days to submit any additional information or changes in your circumstances that happened after the first decision.  

Please be aware, these have a small success rate.  

Voluntary Return

If you get a negative final decision, 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. 

A final word

Free legal aid usually ends after a final negative decision. This means you may have to pay solicitor fees for any further work on your claim.  

Before agreeing a fee:

1. Check the solicitor is registered with the Law Society of Ireland 

2. Ask what action they are suggesting following the negative decision.

3. Ask how successful they have been with other clients in similar situations.