Ireland is taking steps to address the issue of asylum seekers arriving through Northern Ireland by considering new emergency laws that would enable the return of certain applicants to the UK.
Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Simon Harris has tasked Justice Minister Helen McEntee with presenting these proposals to the cabinet next week.
The move comes amidst concerns that a plan by UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak, known as the “Rwanda plan,” might be diverting asylum seekers away from the UK and towards Ireland.
Sunak claimed success in deterring asylum seekers, which raised further attention after reports showed that 80% of recent asylum seekers in Ireland entered through the Northern Ireland border.
A spokesperson for Taoiseach Harris stressed the importance of protecting Ireland’s migration system. He mentioned that Ireland is looking into plans to label specific countries as safe third countries. This would enable the return of international protection applicants who are deemed inadmissible back to the UK.
“Ireland has a rules-based system that must always be applied firmly and fairly,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson further stated that these measures are part of a broader effort to strengthen Ireland’s migration system, ensuring it remains robust, effective, and adaptable. Upholding rules and preserving the integrity of the migration system are key priorities guiding these actions.
Minister Helen McEntee has announced plans to strengthen Ireland’s border controls and engage in discussions about the potential return of refugees with James Cleverly and other British officials during an upcoming visit to London.
“That’s why I’m introducing fast processing, that’s why I’ll have emergency legislation at cabinet this week to make sure that we can effectively return people to the UK and that’s why I’ll be meeting with the home secretary to raise these issues on Monday.”
Helen McEntee
Challenges and Responses to Recent Migration Issues
Previously, Ireland had designated the UK as a “safe third country” to which asylum seekers could be returned. However, last month, the Irish High Court ruled that this designation breached EU law, preventing further returns.
In response to this ruling, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced on Sunday, April 28 that legislation known as the “Rwanda legislation,” signed into law the previous week, was already proving effective. Sunak noted that individuals were expressing concerns about coming to the UK due to this legislation.
“Illegal migration is a global challenge, which is why you’re seeing multiple countries talk about doing third-country partnerships, looking at novel ways to solve this problem, and I believe will follow where the UK has led.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak
Last week, a protest in County Wicklow over proposed refugee accommodation led to violent clashes with police who used shields and sprays and arrested six people. Police said rocks and other missiles were thrown and they recovered an axe.
There have been protests and arson attacks on proposed refugee accommodation centers around Ireland in recent years, fuelling anxiety over far-right agitation and threats against politicians.
In a speech delivered on Sunday, April 28 the Taoiseach said warning signs around the abuse of public figures should be taken seriously.
“We know how this story ends. We have had too many warnings and we need to take them seriously before the unthinkable happens.”
Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Simon Harris
Ireland provided refuge to over 100,000 individuals, with approximately three-quarters coming from Ukraine. However, this influx of refugees has exacerbated an already acute housing crisis in Ireland, leading to increased rents, homelessness, and a rise in anti-immigrant sentiment.
The strain on housing resources was highlighted by a riot in November 2023 that resulted in significant damage to parts of central Dublin, underscoring the tensions and challenges associated with managing large-scale refugee resettlement in the country.
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