Taoiseach Simon Harris has acknowledged the necessity of the EU’s migration and asylum contract for Ireland, describing it as a “collaborative endeavour of Europe”. He dispelled the rhetoric of “detrimental myths” in the Dáil, stating that crime rates are not elevated where asylum seekers are present, highlighting the absence of an “influx of males”, and refuting the argument that Ireland is entirely populated. He criticises the myths for serving to create fear, spread discord, and potentially incite violent disturbances like those witnessed in the past year.
Taoiseach Harris was providing an introductory speech at a Dáil debate spanning two days on the pact, aimed at creating a unified response among member nations to international security, asylum, and migration. Up until now, the EU’s approach was described as “disunited and excessively fragmented”, with the pact providing a solution to manage migration compassionately and with levelheadedness.
Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin criticised those seeking an unrealistic degree of isolation, accusing them of trying to introduce a mentality that the Irish people have largely rejected. Helen McEntee, Minister for Justice, spoke about the necessity of a speedier, more effective system, with upcoming laws to be implemented alongside a comprehensive revamp of the current system.
Mary Lou McDonald, leader of Sinn Féin, voiced her dismay over the government’s decision not to opt out of any part of the pact, labelling it as a “hazardous diminishing” of Irish sovereignty. She argued that control over taxation, foreign affairs, and migration should remain with the Irish government. The Labour leader, Ivana Bacik, called for unified action within the EU concerning migration. However, she criticised the pact for failing to show sufficient solidarity with the Global South and dismissed the government’s rigid stance. She condemned the fear-inducing rhetoric that dominated migration discussions, emphasising that seeking asylum is a fundamental human right. Bacik proposed an EU-wide visa system mirroring the Donnelly visa system adopted by the United States.
Holly Cairns, leader of the Social Democrats, called for a just, compassionate, and efficient asylum system, blaming the government’s lack of competence for causing disarray, animosity and a surge in hostility.
She expressed that whilst certain elements could be viewed as advantageous, the overall agreement presented grave apprehension in regards to human rights from her party’s perspective, labelling it as “threatening”. On the matter, Independent Deputy for Rural regions, Mattie McGrath, shared that the Oireachtas Justice committee had concluded discussions on the deal a month prior. However, the Government had intentionally postponed the Dáil session until after the local and European electoral proceedings.