Chair Of Asylum Appeals Body Ignored Complaint Over Far-Right Activist

The chairperson of Ireland’s International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) ignored a formal complaint about far-right activist Brenda Power, it was revealed in the Dáil this week.

Recently, Aontacht Media reported that a petition has been launched to remove Brenda Power, a known far-right activist and barrister, from serving as a decision-maker on the State’s asylum appeals body. 

According to a parliamentary question submitted by Ruth Coppinger TD of Solidarity to FFG Minister of (In)Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan, chairperson Hilkka Becker received a formal complaint about Power’s impartiality, but ignored it. 

The complaint, seen by Aontacht Media, provides detailed evidence on Power’s reactionary views, on travellers, immigrants and trans people, citing 14 articles from various national newspapers. 

“The Chairperson considered the complaint and came to the view that it did not warrant the making of a written report to the Minister pursuant to s.63(9) of the International Protection Act 2015, “ stated O’Callaghan in response to Coppinger' s question. 

Section 21 of IPAT Guideline 2023/2 expressly provides that a member of the IPAT body, when public speaking, writing or broadcasting must not create a reasonable apprehension of bias and recognises that opinions capable of impinging upon independence or impartiality may legitimately become the subject of a complaint.

The petition now also includes a demand for the resignation of Becker, in addition to Power’s removal, for this affront of justice. 

Anyone who is having their appeals heard by her has the right to request a recusal due to clear bias.