Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Government works closely with all EU Member States in relation to migration matters, which cut across a number of Government Departments. The challenges presented by migration and asylum cannot be effectively addressed by any state acting alone in a globalised and interdependent world. It is the case that Europe has seen a significant increase in the number of people seeking protection since 2022 against a backdrop of increasing instability and conflicts in different parts of the world.

In this context, the Deputy may be aware that my Department is currently examining the proposals contained in the EU Asylum and Migration Pact and I will ask the Government to make a decision whether to opt in to the proposals shortly.

The EU Pact, launched by the European Commission in September 2020, sets out the Commission’s comprehensive approach to migration bringing together policy in the areas of migration, asylum, integration and border management, recognising that the overall effectiveness depends on progress on all fronts. This common response also incorporates the EU’s partnerships with third countries to address the root causes of irregular migration, combat migrant smuggling, and support an effective returns policy and well-managed legal migration.

While Ireland has not yet opted-in to most of the Pact measures, with the exception of the European Union Asylum Agency Regulation, other Member States will be bound by them two years after they are adopted. Member States are beginning to prepare their transposing legislation and operational systems for the Pact to go live in 2026. In order for Ireland to effectively align its law and systems with other Member States, and to implement a more cohesive asylum system as provided for in the Pact, I intend to bring a Memorandum to cabinet concerning an opt in to the Pact in the next few weeks.