A new international protection appeals structure, the Tribunal for Asylum and
Returns Appeals (TARA), is to be established in 2026, pursuant to the International
Protection Bill 2026, when enacted. TARA will be a statutorily independent body, due
to be operational by June 2026, that exercises a quasi-judicial function and will
replace the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT).
The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is now seeking applications
to establish a panel of Whole Time Appeals Officers. This competition presents an
opportunity to be part of a new and dynamic appeals process at a time of significant
and fundamental change in the international protection system.
Whole Time Appeals Officers will be responsible for managing casework assigned to
them, reviewing notices of appeal and appeal files, making and issuing decisions,
conducting oral hearings, and ensuring appeals are determined in a timely manner
and within any guidelines issued by the Chief Appeals Officer.
Please note: Whole Time Appeals Officers will be appointed for a term of seven
years and may be re-appointed for a second term not exceeding three years, though
there is no guarantee of re-appointment.
Full details of the role, including specific eligibility requirements, is available on
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Tuesday 21 st of April
2026.
We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine
grounds of the Employment Equality Act.
