Section 20(1) of the International Protection Act 2015

Section 20(1) of the International Protection Act 2015 provides that an immigration officer or a member of the Garda Síochána may, in certain circumstances, detain an applicant for international protection  in a prescribed place of detention. Section 20(2) provides that, as soon as is practicable, the international protection  applicant must be brought before a District Judge who may commit the person to a place of detention or order the person’s release, either with or without conditions.

As a general principle we provide representation in relation to a hearing under section 20(2) of the International Protection Act 2015. Any person who seeks legal aid for the purpose of such a hearing will have his or her application processed at one of the law centres who provide legal services for international protection.

It is likely that the majority of persons to whom this section might be applied will be existing clients of the Board in relation to an international protection application. If a standalone application for legal services is received in relation to such a hearing it must be dealt with on a priority basis and a solicitor assigned as soon as possible.