International Protection Act 2026

Modification of certain references (exceptional situations)

52. (1) For the purposes of this Part, where—

(a) a disproportionate number of applications are made by unaccompanied minors or other exceptional situations arise, and

(b) the competent authority decides that the measures set out in the contingency plan referred to in section 282 are insufficient to ensure that a representative person is appointed for an unaccompanied minor within 15 working days,

the reference to 15 working days in section 46 (1)(b) shall be construed as a reference to 25 working days.

(2) For the purposes of this Part, where—

(a) a disproportionate number of applications are made by unaccompanied minors or other exceptional situations arise, and

(b) the competent authority decides that the measures set out in the contingency plan referred to in section 282 are insufficient to ensure that a provisional representative person or a representative person, as the case may be, is appointed in respect of no more than 30 unaccompanied minors at any one time,

the reference to 30 unaccompanied minors in sections 46 (3)(e) and 50 (3)(c) shall be construed as a reference to 50 unaccompanied minors.

(3) Where the competent authority makes a decision under subsection (1)(b) or (2)(b), the Minister shall inform the European Commission and the European Union Agency for Asylum in accordance with Article 27 of the Receptions Conditions Directive.