The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (the 'Commission’) has today announced that it is applying to the Supreme Court to seek leave to appeal the Court of Appeal's judgment in a case that it took against the State on the human rights of unaccommodated International Protection applicants ('IP applicants').
In August 2024 the High Court ruled that, in failing to provide them with accommodation, the State had breached the human right to dignity of 2807 single male IP applicants.
The State appealed that decision to the Court of Appeal, which issued its judgment last July. That court accepted that the Commission had proved that these men were in a situation of extreme material poverty. However, in granting the State's appeal, the Court of Appeal ruled that the Commission had not provided adequate evidence to prove that the men's physical or mental health was undermined or that they were in a state of degradation incompatible with human dignity.
Today the Commission has applied to the Supreme Court for permission to appeal the Court of Appeal's decision, and it is now a matter for that court to decide if it hears the appeal.
As the Commission’s application to appeal the July ruling has now been lodged, we will make no further comment at this time.
/ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Sarah Clarkin, IHREC Communications Manager,
01 8592641 / 087 4687760
Editor’s Note:
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is an independent public body, appointed by the President and directly accountable to the Oireachtas. The Commission has a statutory remit set out under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act (2014) to protect and promote human rights and equality in Ireland, and build a culture of respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding in the State. As part of its statutory remit, the Commission has a specific function to work towards the elimination of discrimination.