Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, I point to my response to Deputy Ó Ríordáin: nobody's right to asylum is being removed. We are one of 190-odd countries that have signed up to the Geneva Convention and that means if a person seeks protection, we have an obligation and duty to give them the opportunity to state their case. That will not change.

It is important, however, that we have a system that is efficient and works, and that is effective because if that is not the case, people who do not need it can use the system, which is a significant problem for those who do need it. In respect of safe countries for which we have applied an accelerated procedure, 80% of people who have gone through that accelerated procedure were not entitled to protection. If they were in the system longer and taking up beds or accommodation, those spaces would be unavailable to a person who is genuinely fleeing war or persecution. We need a system that is efficient and works effectively but that has clear rules. We cannot have a situation whereby people can use the system in the wrong way. That in itself would mean that people who need our protection cannot access it.

The pact means quicker and more efficient processing. If you are entitled to asylum, it means you will get it quicker. It means we will have greater solidarity mechanisms so that if Ireland were to come under pressure, we can benefit. It means more aligned systems across the EU. If you are someone genuinely seeking hope, irrespective of where you go, you will be entitled to the same type of support, help or accommodation. It means we can have greater information on who is coming into our country so that if there are concerns or security issues, we can highlight or address them at an earlier stage. There is nothing in this proposal that does not benefit Ireland. It does not preclude people from seeking protection.