International Protection Act 2015

36

Applicants to whom section 15(4) applies

36.          Where section 15(4) applies to an applicant, the Minister shall, taking the best interests of the child as a primary consideration, ensure that—

(a) the person appointed by the Child and Family Agency under that provision—

(i) is given the opportunity to inform the applicant about the meaning and possible consequences of the personal interview and, where appropriate, how to prepare himself or herself for the personal interview, and

(ii) is allowed to be present at the personal interview and to ask questions or make comments, within the framework set by the person who conducts the interview,

(b) the personal interview is conducted—

(i) by a person who has the necessary knowledge of, and competence to take into account, the special needs of persons who have not attained the age of 18 years, and

(ii) where appropriate, having regard to the age and degree of maturity of the applicant and the role of the person referred to in paragraph (a), in a manner that enables the applicant to ask questions and make comments, within the framework set by the person who conducts the interview,

and

(c) the report of the personal interview together with the report under section 39 in respect of the applicant’s application is prepared by a person with the necessary knowledge of the special needs of persons who have not attained the age of 18 years.