Bringing Court Proceedings Against the International Protection Office for Failure to Adhere to the International Protection Act, 2015


Legal Framework

Under Section 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003, every organ of the State, including the International Protection Office (IPO), is required to perform its functions in a manner compatible with the State's obligations under the Convention provisions. If an individual suffers injury, loss, or damage due to a contravention of this requirement, they may bring court proceedings to recover damages.

Steps to Initiate Proceedings

  1. Identify the Breach:

    • Determine the specific instances where the International Protection Office (IPO) failed to adhere to the International Protection Act 2015 and, consequently, breached the State’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights.
  2. Gather Evidence:

    • Collect all relevant documents, correspondence, and records that demonstrate the IPO's failure to comply with the Act.
    • Obtain witness statements if applicable.
    • Ensure that the evidence clearly shows the link between the IPO's actions or inactions and the injury, loss, or damage suffered.
  3. Draft the Claim:

    • Prepare a detailed statement of claim. This document should:
      • Clearly outline the specific breaches of the International Protection Act 2015 by the IPO.
      • Describe the injury, loss, or damage suffered as a result of these breaches.
      • Cite Section 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003 as the legal basis for your claim.
      • Specify the relief sought, including any damages.
  4. Determine the Appropriate Court:

    • If the damages sought do not exceed the jurisdictional limit of the Circuit Court in tort, you may file there. Otherwise, file in the High Court.
  5. Submit the Claim:

    • File the claim with the appropriate court. Ensure all necessary documentation is attached. This will typically include:
      • The statement of claim.
      • Any supporting evidence.
      • The appropriate filing fee.
  6. Notify Relevant Parties:

    • Serve the statement of claim to the IPO and any other relevant parties involved in the case. This means delivering the legal documents to them in accordance with the rules of court.
  7. Adhere to Statutory Time Limits:

  8. Prepare for Court Proceedings:

    • Gather and Organize Evidence: Ensure that all your evidence is well-organized and ready for presentation in court.
    • Prepare Your Arguments: Clearly outline the arguments you will make in court, supporting each point with evidence.
  9. Attend Court Hearings:

    • Be present at all court hearings. Present your case clearly and confidently, providing evidence and making arguments as necessary.
  10. Court's Decision:

    • The court will decide whether the IPO’s actions breached Section 3(1) and if so, determine the appropriate damages.
    • The court may award damages it considers appropriate based on the evidence presented.

Potential Outcomes

  • Damages: If the court finds in your favor, you may be awarded damages for the injury, loss, or damage suffered.
  • Declaratory Relief: The court may also make a declaration regarding the IPO's failure to comply with the law.
  • Further Actions: Depending on the outcome, there may be grounds for additional actions or appeals.

To bring court proceedings against the International Protection Office for failing to adhere to the International Protection Act 2015, it is essential to follow a structured approach: identifying the breach, gathering robust evidence, drafting and submitting the claim, notifying relevant parties, adhering to statutory time limits, preparing for court proceedings, and attending court hearings. By doing so, individuals can seek redress for violations of their rights under the European Convention on Human Rights as incorporated into Irish law.


 

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