Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Following criticism, we have seen an increase in recent months in the Department’s activity in terms of deportation orders and so on. However, the extent of the flow of asylum seekers into Ireland, the majority of whom have previously successfully crossed the EU’s external borders elsewhere, is by no means clear. The State’s capacity to respond effectively could be affected. The new normal, according to the Minister, Deputy O’Gorman, is 15,000 to 20,000 asylum and international protection seekers annually. Have we that capacity? I do not believe we do, or anything like it. We are ramping up and making a show of strength due to significant concerns, but as matters stand, no such process is envisaged.

The current indications are that the Government does not want a debate on this issue. Okay, there was a committee meeting today lasting three hours and there will be a further three hours next week, but that is for show and semantics. The Government is hellbent on opting into this pact when we should be opting out.

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