Justice minister says pressure on systems prevents acceptance of relocated asylum seekers
Ireland has announced it will not accept migrants under the European Union’s new Pact on Migration and Asylum, choosing instead to contribute €9.26 million to the EU’s Solidarity Pool to support member states facing high migration pressures.
The decision was announced in Brussels by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, who said the payment would be made in 2027 to assist countries dealing with the greatest migration challenges.
The significant decision comes despite Ireland being on the EU’s list of countries identified as “potentially” facing migration pressures themselves.
Under the new EU system, member states must either accept people from other EU countries with high migration pressure for screening or pay into a common migration fund to alleviate the burden on frontline states.
Minister O’Callaghan noted that the increasing number of international protection applications, including those receiving temporary protection under employment provisions, is putting pressure on Ireland’s systems.
“Given the pressure on our systems, Ireland will not accept resettlement. However, it will provide €9.26 million in 2027 to support countries with the highest pressure,” he said.
Although Ireland has opted out of accepting relocated migrants, the country will retain priority access to the EU Migration Support Toolbox due to its designation as a country with potential migration pressure. The toolbox provides financial, technical and operational support from EU agencies, as well as assistance for return and reintegration activities.
Other key measures agreed by EU justice and home affairs ministers include a new return mechanism for migrants staying illegally in the EU, establishment of a new list of countries considered safe, and a proposal to update the grounds for designating a country as a ‘safe third country.’
The decision reflects the Irish government’s position that its asylum and accommodation systems are operating at or beyond capacity, making it unable to accept additional international protection applicants through EU relocation schemes. The financial contribution represents Ireland’s attempt to show solidarity with frontline member states while managing domestic pressures on housing and services.
The announcement comes amid ongoing political debate in Ireland about immigration levels, with the government having recently tightened family reunification rules and other immigration policies in response to what officials describe as unsustainable pressure on accommodation and integration systems.