In recent days, the Gardaí have escalated their efforts on border checks, resulting in 50 individuals being returned to the UK, as Taoiseach Simon Harris increases his resolve to enforce stricter immigration laws. The number of people sent back to Northern Ireland and Britain during four days of intensified action last week represents nearly half of the total 107 people returned during the 21 preceding days of similar actions since October – a span of almost eight months.
The recent uptick in returns concurs with the final two weeks of local and European electoral campaigning. It follows the ejection of asylum seekers’ tents from central Dublin and the introduction of a new financial assessment for welfare payment eligibility for those seeking international protection. Mr Harris addressed the press in Limerick, emphasising that individuals without appropriate permissions to be present in Ireland need to be informed of their situation and asked to leave swiftly.
In contrast, those with the rightful claims to remain should be integrated and made welcome. The Taoiseach continues to promote the transition from an emergency perspective to a more sustainable model of migration. As per the latest statistics from the Garda, the escalation in numbers is notable as immigration officers join forces with bus and train service providers to conduct checks at border areas.
According to the Garda, “a total of 107 people were detected entering the State without the necessary visas or identity papers” in the period leading up to 20th May, beginning from October of the previous year. The force disclosed that during the same week, 50 additional individuals were found without the obligatory immigration documents and were not granted entry permissions. The period from October to December saw 11 days of strict enforcement action, with a further 10 days of similar action recorded between January and 20th May.
The spike in returns was hastened by an Anglo-Irish diplomatic dispute in April over immigration, provoked by a statement from Justice Minister Helen McEntee claiming that 80% of asylum seekers had arrived in the State via Northern Ireland. Rishi Sunak, UK Prime Minister, responded to Ms McEntee’s statement, claiming it as evidence that his policy of diverting asylum seekers to Rwanda was deterring migrants from remaining in the UK.
Despite Dublin’s assurance of an agreement with London regarding the repatriation of asylum seekers, Mr Sunak has clearly stated that the UK will not take back anyone seeking asylum who lands in Ireland after initially requesting international protection in Britain.
During Sunday’s campaign, Mr Harris praised figures from the Garda, emphasising the importance of safeguarding the Common Travel Area between Ireland and the UK from misuse.
The Taoiseach made it clear that while accommodation due to migration is a topic of importance, it should not be the sole focus of discussion. Regulations currently in effect and their enforcement also need prominent attention. He also expressed optimism regarding the Garda’s ongoing active operations, and the collaboration they have with PSNI.
As a nation that understands and values the impact of immigration, improvement through migration is a recognised fact, but Ireland is also a country of laws. In his opinion, the public would appreciate an injection of common sense into the immigration discourse along with compassion.
The Taoiseach believes that the actions being highlighted in the current media serve as further examples of those practical steps being implemented to enforce the nation’s immigration laws.
The Taoiseach stressed the necessity of having a fair welfare system which is rules-based and where appropriate application of these rules is ensured.