Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú) | Oireachtas source

The new Labour Party Government in Britain allows for a significant change in the relationship between Ireland and Britain on a number of fronts. The first is the issue of immigration. Figures yesterday showed an 87% increase in the number of asylum applicants in a six-month period of this year, a significant increase. If it continues for the rest of the year, it will probably be the highest figure so far in that regard. I understand we already have 2,300 asylum seekers currently without accommodation. The end of the Rwanda Bill offers an opportunity for a change in dynamic in that space. I also believe there is a necessity for France, Britain and Ireland to come to an agreement on how we manage the movement of people between the three countries because they are linked in this process. The Irish Sea border is also an issue, which we need to discuss. I raised the Irish Sea border regarding the movement of people before. It was put to a poll recently in the North of Ireland by the Belfast Telegraph. The majority of people who responded to that poll said they supported an Irish Sea border to manage the movement of people from both islands. Is there any engagement with the British in relation to those three areas?

I do not see a full commitment by the Labour Party Government in the UK to completely take the legacy Act down, which I am surprised at. The Labour Party did not oppose it in the upper house in Westminster. It may be that it will dodge this issue.

About two weeks ago, I raised with the Taoiseach the case of Noah Donohoe, a 14-year-old who died or was killed in strange circumstances four years ago. The investigation by the PSNI has not been proper; it has made an incredible amount of mistakes either by accident or on purpose. As such, the family is looking to recuse the coroner involved in the inquest. Will the Taoiseach engage with the British Government in relation to that?

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