Website Privacy Notice & Cookie Policy
1. Who We Are
The Tribunal for Asylum and Returns Appeals (TARA) is an independent statutory body established to determine appeals in international protection proceedings in Ireland. TARA is the Data Controller for personal data collected through this website within the meaning of Article 4(7) GDPR and Section 2 of the Data Protection Act 2018.
TARA is committed to protecting your privacy when you visit our website. This Notice applies to all visitors to the TARA website, including:
- Appellants, applicants and their family members seeking information about TARA’s functions and processes
- Legal representatives and advisors accessing case-related information or resources
- Members of the public seeking information about TARA
- Journalists and researchers
- Other public bodies and stakeholders
2. Our Contact Details
If you have any questions about this Notice or about how TARA uses your personal data, please contact our Data Protection Officer (DPO):
| Organisation | Tribunal for Asylum and Returns Appeals (TARA) |
|---|---|
| Website | asylumappeals.ie |
| Address | 6/7 Hanover Street East Dublin D02 W320 Ireland |
| Data Protection Officer | Tim O’Keeffe |
| DPO Email | Tribunal for Asylum and Returns Appeals 6/7 Hanover Street East Dublin 2 D02 W320 |
| DPO Postal Address | [email protected] |
3. What Personal Data We Collect When You Visit Our Website
TARA does not collect any personal data about you on this website, apart from the information which you volunteer by contacting us via email or completing an online feedback form.
3.1 Data You Provide Directly
TARA does not collect any personal data about you on this website, apart from the information which you volunteer by contacting us via email or completing an online feedback form.
3.1.1 Online Contact / Enquiry Forms
- Your name
- Your email address and/or telephone number
- The subject and content of your enquiry
- Any additional personal data you choose to include in your message
Important: You should not submit sensitive personal information — including information about your protection claim, health, nationality or immigration status — through the website contact form. If you need to communicate sensitive information in connection with your appeal, please contact TARA through the secure channels provided by your legal representative or through TARA’s case management correspondence process.
3.1.2 Subject Access Request (SAR) Online Submission
- Name and contact details
- Verification of identity information
- Description of the data requested
3.1.3 Online Feedback or Survey Forms
- Responses to survey questions
- Contact details, if provided voluntarily
4. Cookies and Similar Technologies
4.1 What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, tablet or smartphone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently and to provide information to website owners. Some cookies are essential for the website to function; others are used for analytics, to remember your preferences, or for other purposes.
The ePrivacy Regulations (SI 336/2011, as amended) require TARA to obtain your consent before placing any cookies on your device that are not strictly necessary for the operation of the website. TARA operates a cookie consent mechanism on its website to ensure compliance with this requirement.
4.2 Cookie Usage
The following table lists the specific cookies currently in use on the TARA website. This inventory will be updated whenever cookies are added, amended or removed.
4.3 Managing Your Cookie Preferences
When you first visit the TARA website, you will be presented with a cookie consent banner that allows you to accept or decline non-essential cookies. You can change your cookie preferences at any time by:
- Clicking the ‘Cookie Settings’ or ‘Manage Cookies’ link in the footer of the TARA website
- Adjusting the settings in your web browser to block or delete cookies
Please note that if you disable strictly necessary cookies through your browser settings, some parts of the TARA website may not function correctly. Disabling optional cookies will not affect your ability to access TARA’s core public information.
4.4 Browser-Level Cookie Controls
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through your browser settings. The following links provide guidance on managing cookies in the most used browsers:
- Google Chrome: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647
- Mozilla Firefox: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/enable-and-disable-cookies-website-preferences
- Apple Safari: https://support.apple.com/en-ie/guide/safari/sfri11471/mac
- Microsoft Edge: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/manage-cookies-in-microsoft-edge-view-allow-block-delete-and-use#delete-all-cookies
- Opera: https://help.opera.com/en/latest/web-preferences/#cookies
You can also find further information about cookies and how to manage them at www.allaboutcookies.org and www.youronlinechoices.eu
5. Links to Third-Party Websites
The TARA website may contain links to external websites operated by third parties, including other government departments, public bodies, legal aid organisations, UNHCR, the Data Protection Commission, and other relevant bodies. TARA is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external websites.
When you follow a link to an external website, you leave the TARA website, and your data is no longer subject to this Privacy Notice. TARA recommends that you read the privacy notice of any third-party website you visit.
6. Website Accessibility
TARA is committed to making its website accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, in accordance with the European Union (Accessibility of Websites and Mobile Applications of Public Sector Bodies) Regulations 2020 (SI 358/2020), which implement Directive (EU) 2016/2102.
TARA’s website aims to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at Level AA. If you experience any accessibility difficulties when using the TARA website, please contact us using the details in Section 2.