The Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) is the first instance decision making body in the Irish asylum system. The office was established under the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended). Under the 1996 Act, the Commissioner is required to investigate each asylum application lodged within the state and to make a recommendation to the Minister for Justice and Law Reform. The Commissioner is also responsible for investigating applications by refugees to allow family members to enter and reside in the State and for providing a report to the Minister on such applications.

The Commissioner is independent in the exercise of his or her functions.