Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 23 April 2024

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality

EU Regulations and Directive on International Protection, Asylum and Migration: Discussion

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the UK is not in the EU, it would not be part of this migration pact so we have a separate agreement with it. We have a returns agreement with the UK. There have been issues in recent weeks because of a High Court ruling. To my earlier point I will bring forward legislation to address that in a matter of weeks because it has to be the case that we can return people to the UK.

We have an open border with the UK and that creates a challenge. We work through co-operation. We have an agreement with the UK, unlike other member states, and this is because of the common travel area and the open border.