A Fianna Fáil MEP has said that British officials are worried that Ireland has become a “back door” to Kremlin spies, as thousands of Russians are granted visas every year. 

Ireland is the only EU member state that is not part of the EU’s Schengen area and instead remains a member of the Common Travel Area, along with the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. 

Since the invasion of Ukraine, Irish officials have granted 14,000 visas to Russian nationals - an approval rate of 90%. 

On Moncrieff, Dublin MEP Barry Andrews said officials in London have warned him that not all these Russians want to visit Ireland because of the spectacular scenery or warm hospitality. 

“That's why I'm concerned about whether or not we're carrying out sufficient due diligence about these applications and whether the grants are robust and whether we have reason to be concerned about Russian nefarious activities in Ireland,” he said. 

“Unfortunately, there's quite a lot of evidence of nefarious activities by Russia in Ireland, a lot of evidence of aircraft and ships going around our coasts.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at a press conference in Moscow in February 2022. Picture by: Dpa Picture Alliance / Alamy Stock Photo.

Mr Andrews added that many fear Ireland has become a “back door” for Russians who want to travel on to Britain and called for more vigorous vetting of visa applicants. 

However, he also believes a blanket ban would be a disproportional use of State power. 

“I actually got an email this morning from a Russian lady, who lives in Dublin, and she hasn't been able to bring her mother over to visit her grandchild for more than a year,” he said. 

“She's had five or six visas, no problem, complied with all the terms of the visas and went back within the time frame that she was required to return.

“So, we have to be careful not to catch people who have very legitimate reasons to get a visa.” 

The Moscow River and the Kremlin. Picture by: Alamy.com.

Mr Andrews noted that Ireland is soon to assume the EU Presidency this summer and this puts “target on your back”. 

The Defence Forces are aware of this and have devoted considerable time and resources to preparing for the presidency. 

“Countries that have had the presidency have had their airports shut down, they've had infrastructure obstacles put in their way,” Mr Andrews said. 

“There have been various drone incursions, etc; so, Ireland is unfortunately very much in the crosshairs, as I see it. 

“Therefore, I think it's the right time for us to have a proper X-ray of how we're granting visas, short-term and long-term visas to Russians and Belarusians coming to Ireland.”

Main image: Russian President Vladimir Putin. Picture by: Alamy.com.