The Dáil has voted by 79 votes to 72 to opt into the controversial EU Migration and Asylum Pact for a standardised immigration control system across the 27 member states.
The pact includes measures on enhanced screening and security checks and faster processing of asylum applications, and a greater focus on efficient returns for unsuccessful applicants.
It also provides for a mechanism that allows countries to either make a financial contribution or agree to relocate asylum seekers to other EU states.
I welcome that the Dáil & Seanad have now approved Ireland opting into the EU Migration and Asylum Pact.
This is the best way forward for Ireland &Europe to deal with migration issues together, with faster processing of applications, stronger border security, and faster returns.— Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) June 26, 2024
The pact has been in discussion at EU level for the past eight years and the Government announced three months ago that it would be opting in to the pact, which will come into effect in two years’ time.
Member states will be required, based on their population size, to take in thousands of migrants from “frontline” countries such as Italy, Greece and Spain, or provide funding instead.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said the agreement “represents an important balance between effective asylum and return procedures and protections for those seeking protection who are the most vulnerable. This agreement will allow for unprecedented reforms, and a more effective, coherent and fair system to manage migration in the EU.
“Those who have a right to international protection must be given that status as quickly as possible. For those who are found not to have a right to international protection, they must return to their home country as quickly as possible.”
Over a number of days of debate, Sinn Féin has repeatedly called on the Government to opt out of the majority of the pact’s provisions, claiming the hands of future Irish governments will be tied.
Party leader Mary Lou McDonald has said the Government’s failure to opt out of any aspect of the pact is a “dangerous erosion” of Irish sovereignty.
Ms McDonald said that in dealing with taxation, foreign affairs and migration, “power should remain with the Irish Government”.
