The International Protection Act 2026 took effect on 12 June and provided for the establishment of the Office of the Chief Inspector of Asylum Border Procedures. The office has been created to monitor asylum border procedures and compliance with European Union and international law, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in designated asylum border facilities, in line with European law and the recently enacted International Protection Act.

The role of the Chief Inspector will be to monitor designated asylum border procedure facilities and compliance with European Union and international law, including the Charter, in designated asylum border facilities. The Chief Inspector is also the competent supervisory authority in respect of recording and handling any complaints originating at a designated border facility.

Mr O’Neill has been recommended by publicjobs following an open competition as required under legislation.

Mr O’Callaghan said: “I am very pleased that government has appointed Enda O’Neill as Chief Inspector of Asylum Border Procedures. This important role will have primary responsibility for all inspections of designated asylum border facilities and will include the power to receive complaints and carry out formal investigations into potential breaches of fundamental rights.

“Enda has worked with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Dublin for the past 13 years, and I know his work with the UNHCR will prove vital in this role.

“I would also like to thank Her Honour Judge Karen Fergus who held the role for the past three months on an interim basis.”

Mr O’Neill was previously the head of office at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Dublin from 2015 to 2025, having previously worked as an associate protection officer in the organisation.

He qualified from The Honourable Society of King’s Inns and was called to the Bar in 2007, specialising in a number of areas including criminal law, immigration and international protection law, judicial review and European law.

Mr O’Neill also holds an MA in European law from Kings College, London, an MA in public policy from University College Dublin, a qualification in journalism from the Irish Academy and a Bachelor of Arts from University College Cork.