IPAT Chairperson Hilkka Becker Knew About Brenda's Vitriolic Statements Towards Vulnerable Groups

Following parliamentary questions submitted by TDs Ruth Coppinger and Holly Cairns, Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan issued a written response on 3 November 2026 confirming that IPAT had received our complaint concerning a Tribunal Member's impartiality. The Minister confirmed that the Brenda Power was notified of the complaint but made no submission in response and that Chairperson Hilkka becker refused to take action.

“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.”

This is unacceptable. 

In response we are demanding the immediate resignation of Hilkka Becker in addition to the removal of Brenda Power. The continued presence of Brenda Power  as an IPAT decision maker violates the following EU laws:

• Article 47, EU Charter: Independent and impartial tribunals and effective judicial protection.
• Article 46, Directive 2013/32/EU: Effective remedies in international protection proceedings.
• Article 52(3), EU Charter: Relevant correspondence with ECHR fair-hearing protections.

Contact IPAT directly and demand that Hilkka Becker resign for her failure to maintain an impartial tribunal: info@protectionappeals.ie

Thank you to everyone who has signed, shared, and supported this petition. We will continue documenting developments and seeking transparency about the Tribunal's impartiality safeguards (or lack there of.)