Ireland Asylum Applications Halve to 272 in Two Weeks Since EU Pact

Ireland has seen a 50% reduction in asylum seekers, with 272 applications in the two weeks since the EU Migration and Asylum Pact came into effect on June 12th. Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan stated that this early data suggests Ireland is not losing control of its asylum process, despite critics' claims. He cautioned that it is still "very early stages" for the new rules.

The EU Pact establishes common standards for asylum processing across the bloc and requires member states to share the burden. O’Callaghan noted that the decline from 700 applications in the preceding two weeks might be linked to traffickers observing the new, more rigorous screening, security checks, and identification verification processes. These measures make it difficult for individuals who have already claimed asylum in other EU countries to apply in Ireland.

O’Callaghan also indicated a decrease in asylum claims from people crossing the Border with Northern Ireland. He emphasized that the new systems aim to deter and screen out those not entitled to asylum, while expediting claims for legitimate applicants. He acknowledged that the majority of applicants in Ireland are ultimately found not to be entitled to asylum. The government remains open to using return hubs in third countries for asylum seekers during claim consideration and may advance related legislation during Ireland's EU presidency. O’Callaghan clarified that his role as Minister for Justice does not include providing accommodation for those whose asylum cases have been adjudicated, as current accommodation for 33,000 individuals is for applicants only, fulfilling a European obligation.