Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 February 2026
762. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the qualification or language competencies a cultural mediator will be required to have under the International Protection Bill 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7622/26]
View answerI 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 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.
The International Bill defines the role of cultural mediators in broad terms and provides that I as Minister can make arrangements to allow cultural mediators to assist the applicant during the screening process, including the provision of information and support to the applicant. I am satisfied that this makes adequate provision for the role of cultural mediators in the process and that the terms of these services can continue to be provided for by way of the contractual arrangements in place between the Department and IOM.
