DUBLIN, Ireland: Ireland will not be seen as "more favourable" to asylum seekers than the UK, according to Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan. His comments followed the UK home secretary's announcement of significant changes aimed at making Britain less attractive to asylum seekers.
O'Callaghan said the UK's new measures could affect the movement of asylum seekers between the two countries. In a statement on November 17, he said he was committed to ensuring Ireland is not viewed as an easier option than the UK for people seeking asylum. He added that he would closely study the UK's proposals and respond after discussing them with government colleagues.
He plans to publish a new International Protection Bill later this year to reform Ireland's asylum system, and said it could include "any necessary changes" prompted by the UK's new policies. One of the UK's measures will remove the automatic right to family reunion for refugees under core protection.
O'Callaghan said he had already ordered a review of Ireland's family reunification rules before the UK's announcement, and that proposals would be brought to Cabinet soon.
In a separate development, Tánaiste Simon Harris said the UK and Irish governments must use the current "window of opportunity" to deliver "truth, accountability and, where possible, justice" for victims of the Troubles. Speaking at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in Dublin on November 17, Harris thanked the UK government for quickly moving to amend the 2023 Legacy Act.
