Ireland's justice minister, Jim O'Callaghan, has warned that Britain's proposed changes to asylum rules could have significant implications for cross-border migration, with Dublin ready to amend its own laws in response. The warning comes after more than 80% of irregular migrants to Ireland were found to have travelled from Great Britain via Belfast.
Speaking after a meeting of the British-Irish intergovernmental conference in Dublin, O'Callaghan said he would closely monitor the UK's proposals and respond accordingly. 'I am committed to ensuring that Ireland is not viewed more favourably than the UK by those seeking to claim asylum,' he stated.
The UK government recently unveiled plans for the biggest migration changes in 40 years, including easier removal of those with no right to remain. Ireland has seen a rise in irregular migration and a similar public backlash, but maintains an open border with Northern Ireland under the Common Travel Area (CTA), which has existed for over a century.
Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris noted that the CTA was 'never intended to play a role in terms of asylum seekers'. O'Callaghan plans to publish a new international protection bill later this year, which could incorporate 'any necessary changes arising from the UK's change of policy'.
Sinn Féin's justice spokesperson Matt Carthy argued that O'Callaghan's comments highlighted why Ireland should not sign up to the EU migration and asylum pact, as it would limit flexibility to respond to UK policy shifts.
