Once the person seeks asylum he or she is subject to the provisions of the Refugee Act, 1996 and will have access to a fully independent investigation body, the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, a fully independent appeals body, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, and legal representation at both investigative and, if necessary, appeal stage. He or she is also entitled to consult the UNHCR representative to Ireland. Under section 11(8) of the Refugee Act, 1996 an asylum seeker is given written notice of these and other entitlements and obligations that apply to the investigation of an asylum claim.