Dublin's justice minister has issued a stark warning that the UK government's proposed toughening of asylum rules could significantly impact relations with Ireland and potentially increase migration flows across the Irish Sea.
Cross-Border Concerns Emerge
Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan stated he would closely monitor changes proposed by the British government after revealing that more than 80% of people using irregular routes to Ireland originate from Great Britain.
Speaking after a meeting of the British-Irish intergovernmental conference in Dublin, O'Callaghan emphasised his commitment to ensuring Ireland isn't viewed as a more favourable destination for asylum seekers than the UK. The justice department confirmed most travellers reach Ireland by flying or sailing to Belfast before travelling by road to Dublin to make asylum claims.
UK's Controversial Migration Overhaul
The concerns follow Monday's unveiling of what the UK government describes as the biggest changes to migration in 40 years. The controversial proposals include plans to make it easier to remove people with no right to remain in the country.
Ireland has experienced its own rise in irregular migration in recent years, facing similar political backlash from certain voter segments as witnessed in the UK. However, the century-old open border with Northern Ireland remains sacrosanct, with no apparent appetite for introducing checks on people's movement.
Common Travel Area Under Scrutiny
Ireland's deputy prime minister, Simon Harris, highlighted that the invisible borders of the Common Travel Area (CTA) were "never intended to play a role in terms of asylum seekers". His comments underscore the delicate balance maintaining the CTA while addressing migration concerns.
The issue has gained prominence since the UK voted to leave the European Union, with Brexit supporters previously warning about potential "backdoor" migration from the Republic into the UK via Northern Ireland. While Home Office random checks have identified some instances of this occurring, migration in the opposite direction has become the dominant contemporary issue.
O'Callaghan acknowledged the need for Ireland to remain agile, stating: "We need to be nimble in Ireland, as we may need to change our laws and our provisions as well to respond to any changes that have taken place in the UK."
The minister confirmed that any necessary adjustments could be incorporated into a new international protection bill scheduled for publication later this year, which aims to update Ireland's asylum system.
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin's justice spokesperson, Matt Carthy, suggested that O'Callaghan's concerns about UK policy changes affecting Irish legislation highlighted why Ireland should be cautious about signing up to all aspects of the EU migration and asylum pact.
