Official form guide
Form 38.20 Order Of Release - International Protection Act 2015 - Sections 20(4) and 20(11)
Form 38.20 is an Order of Release under the International Protection Act 2015, specifically sections 20(4) and 20(11). It is used when a court orders the release of a person who has been granted international protection.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 38.20 Order Of Release - International Protection Act 2015 - Sections 20(4) and 20(11)
Form 38.20 is an Order of Release under the International Protection Act 2015, specifically sections 20(4) and 20(11). It is used when a court orders the release of a person who has been granted international protection.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting to include the exact section reference (20(4) or 20(11)).
- 2Leaving the protection status field blank
- 3Citing the wrong section of the Act
- 4Missing the judge’s signature
- 5Submitting after the hearing day
Plain English
This form tells the court and relevant authorities that someone with refugee or subsidiary protection status can be released from custody. It records the legal basis for the release and any conditions that apply.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The order must be filed on the same day as the court decision, or no later than the next business day if the court is closed.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- When a court orders release of a person with international protection.
- When sections 20(4) or 20(11) specifically apply.
- If the release includes conditions such as reporting to immigration.
- For any post‑hearing release order, not a routine bail.
- When the court needs to notify the International Protection Unit.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Bail application
Used for standard bail, not protection release
✓ Verify protection status first
Appeal of protection decision
For challenging a protection refusal
✓ Different legal basis
Transfer of custody
When moving a protected person between facilities
✓ Not a release order
Deadline or filing window
The order must be filed on the same day as the court decision, or no later than the next business day if the court is closed.
Before you submit
- 1All personal details match the protection certificate.
- 2Correct case number entered.
- 3Exact wording of sections 20(4) or 20(11) copied.
- 4Any release conditions clearly listed.
- 5Judge’s signature and date present.
- 6Form signed by the responsible court clerk.
- 7PDF version is clear and legible.
- 8Uploaded to the correct e‑filing folder.
- 9Confirmation receipt saved.
How to file this form
- 1Prepare a clean copy of the hearing transcript.
- 2Complete the form using printed or electronic template.
- 3Attach any supporting orders or conditions.
- 4Obtain the judge’s signature.
- 5Sign as court clerk.
- 6Upload to the Courts Service e‑filing portal or deliver to Central Court Office.
- 7Save the acknowledgment receipt.
Known limitations
- 1Form only applies to releases under sections 20(4) and 20(11).
- 2Not valid for ordinary bail or non‑protected detainees.
- 3Electronic submission requires court’s e‑filing access.
- 4No provision for multiple release conditions on a single line.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Proceedings
3 items
The names of the parties exactly as they appear on the originating document.
The court record number for the case, if one has been assigned.
The court and the office where the document is being filed.
Substance
2 items
What you are asking the court to do, or the information the form requires.
The facts relied on and any documents exhibited with the filing.
Execution
1 items
Signed, sworn or certified as the form requires, with proof of service where needed.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 38.20 is currently in force with no recent amendments noted as of 2024. Check the Courts Service website for any updates before filing.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the form header shows the 2024 version date.
- Check that sections 20(4) and 20(11) are still the applicable provisions.
- Verify the e‑filing field layout matches the latest portal version.
- Ensure the case reference format matches current court numbering.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 20/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number taken from Courts Service catalogue.
- SRCSections referenced from International Protection Act 2015.
- SRCSubmission method inferred from standard Courts Service e‑filing practice.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact deadline wording.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: requirement for judge’s signature vs. clerk’s.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: PDF layout specifics.
Common confusion points
Mixing up sections 20(4) and 20(11) wording.
Assuming the form can be used for ordinary bail.
Leaving the ‘conditions of release’ section blank when conditions exist.
Submitting via post when the court requires e‑filing.
Using an outdated form version.
Incorrectly entering the case reference format.
Source transparency
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