Ireland has officially joined the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, marking a significant step in managing migration and asylum processes in alignment with European standards. Minister for Justice Helen McEntee welcomed the European Commission’s confirmation of Ireland’s participation in seven key legislative measures of the Pact.
Key Points of the New Legislation:
- Repeal of the International Protection Act 2015: New legislation will replace the old act, introducing legally binding timeframes for asylum decisions and appeals.
- Efficient Returns: Focus on quicker returns for unsuccessful applicants.
- Accelerated Processing: Fast-tracking applications from safe countries and those without proper documentation.
- Border Procedure: Applicants processed at borders will be accommodated at designated locations and have their cases resolved within three months.
- New Solidarity Mechanism: EU countries must contribute financially or relocate asylum seekers to ease pressures on certain member states.
- Expanded Use of Eurodac: More migrants will be fingerprinted and checked against the Eurodac database.
Minister McEntee emphasized that the reforms will enhance Ireland’s ability to manage migration efficiently and fairly. She highlighted the importance of accelerated processing, which has already reduced applications from certain countries by 70%.
Recent Immigration Actions:
- Visa Measures: Visa-free travel has been suspended for certain refugees, with more countries added to the visa-required list.
- Accelerated Processes: Introduced for 15 safe countries, those with protection elsewhere in Europe, and top applicant countries like Nigeria and Jordan.
- Garda Initiatives: Increased funding and resources for immigration enforcement, including new airline liaison officers and enhanced airport operations.
These steps are part of Ireland’s broader efforts to align with EU standards and improve its international protection system. Minister McEntee stressed the importance of EU cooperation in managing migration and ensuring the integrity of Ireland’s asylum processes.
Future Prospects:
Ireland’s participation in the EU Pact is seen as a crucial move to handle migration flows and protect borders more effectively. With new legislation and continued investment in resources, Ireland aims to provide a cohesive, fair, and efficient asylum system, benefiting both the country and the broader EU community.