The UK and Ireland are on a collision course with tensions expected to escalate further as Helen McEntee will state today that the return of asylum seekers to Britain “will recommence”.
Sources said last night that Minister McEntee “intends that returns to the UK will recommence once the law is enacted”. It is understood that she will provide an update on the work of An Garda Síochána who are responsible for running operations and are working closely with the PSNI. It was announced last month that the Department of Justice would take over the immigration registration function from the Gardaí. This will free up 100 additional Gardaí for frontline enforcement work, including around deportations.
“Of course, we’re not going to do that. I’m determined to get our Rwanda scheme up and running because I want the deterrent.”When asked for a response to his British counterpart’s statement, a spokesman for Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “Ireland already shares a common travel area with the UK. Minister McEntee was snubbed by Home Secretary James Cleverly on Monday as he cancelled their meeting which was expected to focus on immigration just hours before it was due to be held.
In response, they said there have been 6,739 applications for International Protection at the IPO to date in 2024.“There are a number of circumstances in which someone might apply in the IPO without first applying at a port of entry. They may enter at an airport with valid documentation for example but choose not to apply at that time. Or they may apply having been in the State for a period previously, for example on foot of a different permission to remain.