Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)

Earlier this month, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, outlined significant changes in UK immigration policies, including tightening of visa controls, reduced post-study work rights and a longer route to citizenship, going from five years to ten years. While these are UK domestic decisions, they have a serious impact on us here in the Republic of Ireland, particularly because the UK still occupies part of this island for the moment.

This is what I am asking the Tánaiste. We are hearing reports of asylum seekers crossing into the Republic from Northern Ireland, as stated by the British Government. The British Government has now said that it will not accept returns. This puts a strain on the immigration system here and the challenges of integrating a common travel area, which to my mind risks and undermines North-South co-operation and Border security issues. I ask the Tánaiste to outline the discussions the Government or his Department have had with their counterparts in the United Kingdom on this matter. What practical steps are being taken to protect the common travel area?

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