James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will begin by stressing the benefits of migration to Ireland. At present, just under 500,000 people in our labour force were born outside of Ireland. We would face significant challenges in many areas of our economy without migration. I also highlight that Ireland benefits immensely from membership of the European Union. A combination of factors, such as our highly educated workforce and being a member of the EU Single Market, encourages businesses to invest in Ireland.

Recognising the importance of EU co-operation, Ireland has been heavily involved in the negotiations of this pact at an EU level as we understand the benefits that it will have for Ireland and our European counterparts alike. Our international protection system is under stress. My officials and I have worked tirelessly over the past year to improve efficiencies in the system. Yet, there is no hiding from the fact that the system is no longer fit for purpose in light of emerging migratory trends. We need a system that works faster and enables people granted protection to quickly obtain status, integrate and start a new life, but which will also facilitate the efficient removal of those who are not granted such protection status. The pact creates such a system. It enhances the common European asylum system in which we already participate. It presents a stronger, more cohesive and comprehensive solution to the challenges presented by migration with strength lying in its holistic, rather than selective, approach.

I will give a brief overview of the pact measures. The screening regulation will apply where a person enters the EU irregularly and mandates an identity check, a security check, a health and vulnerability check, fingerprinting and registration in the Eurodac database.