Justice Minister Helen McEntee will bring proposals to Cabinet next week to allow some asylum seekers who travelled from the UK to be sent back. 

This follows a comment from UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that the number of asylum seekers who initially went to the UK but then travelled to Ireland proves the Conservatives’ Rwanda plan is working. 

A spokesperson for Taoiseach Simon Harris said the Taoiseach “doesn’t comment on the migration policies of any other country but he is very clear about the importance of protecting the integrity of the migration system in Ireland”.

"Ireland has a rules-based system that must always be applied firmly and fairly," they said.

“In that context, the Taoiseach has asked the Minister for Justice to bring proposals to Cabinet next week to amend existing law regarding the designation of safe “third countries” and allowing the return of inadmissible international protection applicants to the UK."

This legislative amendment is “one of a number of measures” being considered to “strengthen” Ireland’s migrant system. 

Responding to comments from Tánasite Micheál Martin that the Rwanda plan was prompting asylum seekers in the UK to come to the Republic of Ireland, Mr Sunak said this shows the Act is already making an impact. 

“The deterrent is already having an impact because people are worried about coming here,” he said. 

The UK Prime Minister was also asked if his Government was simply exporting their problems. 

“My focus is on the United Kingdom and securing our borders,” he said. 

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson walks away from 10 Downing Street with his Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid in September 2021. Image: Ian Davidson/Alamy Live News

Social Democrat TD Gary Gannon told Newstalk Mr Sunak’s comments on the Rwanda plan and Ireland were “egregious”. 

“That the Prime Minister of a neighboring state could enact a State-sponsored policy of cruelty against a people,” he said. 

“But then also as part of that policy to defer those people into ourselves as a neighbor, I think it’s absolutely egregious.” 

Asylum seekers from the UK

Previously figures from the Department of Justice found 75% of asylum seekers applied for protection at the International Protection Office in Dublin, compared to just 24% of applications made at Dublin Airport. 

Newstalk reporter Barry Whyte said this means the majority of asylum seekers arrived in the country “without challenge”.  

The Department of Justice said many of these applications could be from people who already resided in Ireland and their country of origin has since become unsafe to return to, such as Sudan.  

However, Barry said many asylum seekers arrive through Northern Ireland before travelling across the border – with some paying for access. 

 Main image: Asylum seekers who did not get accommodation set up tents outside the International Protection Office. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie