The EU has determined that Ireland is “at risk” of migratory pressure
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan(Image: Brian Lawless/PA Wire)
Ireland will not be taking in more migrants under a new EU relocation programme, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has announced.
This comes as the EU has determined that Ireland is “at risk” of migratory pressure. A ‘solidarity pool’, a new EU mechanism under the Pact on Migration and Asylum was decided among EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers today in Brussels.
It will provide increased support for countries facing migratory pressure. This means member states should take in individuals for screening from other EU countries facing large numbers of migrants.
Alternatively, countries can pay into a common migration fund to help alleviate the pressure. Minister O’Callaghan announced today that Ireland will not be taking part in the relocation programme, and instead will make a payment of €9.26million in 2027 to support countries under the most extreme pressure.
The EU recognised that Ireland is at risk of migratory pressure, so it will have priority access to the EU Migration Support Toolbox. This offers operational and technical support by EU bodies, offices and agencies; financial support and support to facilitate return and reintegration activities.
Other measures agreed to in Brussels by ministers include a new return system for migrants staying in the EU unlawfully and a measure to establish a list of safe countries of origin. A proposal to update the reasons for determining a country to be a safe third country was also put forward.
Speaking on this new solidarity mechanism the Justice Minister said: “We have experienced a sustained high number of applications for international protection and this, together with the increased arrivals of people benefitting from temporary protection, has put our systems under pressure, which has been recognised by the European Commission.
“As a result of the agreement reached today, member states have the option of accepting relocations from countries under severe migratory pressure or alternatively providing financial support. Ireland will not be accepting relocations given the pressures on our system but will make a payment of €9.26million in 2027 as a pledge to support the countries under the most extreme pressure.”
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