Taoiseach Simon Harris has said Ireland will not provide a "loophole" for other countries' migration challenges. 

Proposals will go to Cabinet next week which would allow the return of some international protection applicants to the UK, who've travelled here from Northern Ireland. 

This follows comments by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that the Rwanda policy is working, based on the numbers now coming into the Republic. 

Speaking at the Billy Fox Memorial in Monaghan, Mr Harris refused to comment directly on the remarks – but said Ireland's policies would be protected. 

“Every country is entitled to have its own migration policy, but I certainly don't intend to allow anybody else's migration policy affect the integrity of our own,” he said. 

“From an Irish perspective, we intend to have a firm rules-based system where rules are in place, where rules are enforced and where rules are seen to be enforced. 

"This country will not in any way shape or form provide a loophole for anyone else's migration challenges.” 

Asylum seekers in Ireland

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. 

Harris against 'downright thuggery'

Mr Harris also said threats and abuse towards politicians will be taken seriously following a bomb threat against Justice Minister Helen McEntee. 

“I'm very proud that we live in a democracy, one of the longest democracies in the world,” he said. 

“Where people can have robust debates, where people can disagree without being disagreeable, where people can disagree [without] people gathering outside somebody's home, in balaclavas. 

“It’s not protest, it’s downright thuggery.” 

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Senator Billy Fox, who was murdered by the IRA in 1974. 

Mr Fox was only 34 when he was tragically struck down and is the only member of the Oireachtas to be killed during the Troubles.