Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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365. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a review of the cultural mediators pilot project in the international protection process has been completed by the Department; the results of that review; the degree to which international protection applicants were consulted; if the review is publicly available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22980/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that I am fully committed to ensuring that Ireland’s International Protection system is robust and rules based, and that our borders are protected.

As part of this, my Department ensures that international protection applications are dealt with fairly and efficiently within the framework of Ireland's international obligations.

The International Protection Office (IPO) primarily provides cultural mediators through a partnership with the UN’s International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The pilot project began on 8 November 2022 when the IPO awarded a grant to IOM for cultural mediation services.

The role of the cultural mediator is to independently assist and support the applicant in the international protection process in the language of their choice. All cultural mediators employed are subject to both an IPO and separate IOM Code of Conduct.

My Department was satisfied with the services delivered under the pilot. Following a market-testing exercise run on eTenders, a new post-pilot grant agreement with the IOM began on 1 January 2025 and will run until 30 June 2026.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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366. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the process by which a person who is refused leave to land at Dublin Airport may indicate they are in need of international protection or be identified as same by an immigration officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22981/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Border Management Unit (BMU) of my Department has responsibility for frontline immigration duties at Dublin Airport.

When a person arrives in Ireland an Immigration Officer will ensure that the individual is legally entitled to enter the State. In performing their duties, an Officer is required to consider all circumstances of the individual at the time of entry.

If a person indicates or is identified as being in need of international protection a member of the BMU will conduct a preliminary interview with the person under Section 13 of the International Protection Act 2015, as amended. The person will then be directed to attend the International Protection Office so their application can be fully examined.

Training is provided to Immigration Officers by the UNHCR and International Protection Office to ensure that each officer is aware of their obligations in this area.