Clare TD Accuses Government Of "All Or Nothing" Approach To Immigration

Clare FM

A Clare TD has accused the Government of taking an "all or nothing" approach to immigration law in Ireland. The Cabinet sub-committee on migration is meeting today where updates are being heard on efforts to expedite the processing of asylum seeker applications. Coming in a week when the Government has received much backlash for its handling of immigration, today's meeting is discussing plans to implement a more efficient deportation system for people whose asylum applications are rejected. The Cabinet sub-committee which deals with migration is also addressing other means of easing the perceived immigration crisis such as finding more accommodation for international protection applicants currently residing here. Despite reports that the meeting would include discussion on changes to welfare payments for those fleeing the war in Ukraine, this isn't expected to be on the agenda. The meeting comes one day after the Rural Independents called for a debate on the EU Migration and Asylum Pact. Scariff Independent Deputy Michael McNamara believes the Government is conflating the laws within the pact rather than acknowledging that they can be voted on separately. It's been reported that last night's meeting of the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party heard Justice Minister Helen McEntee's performance has been "disastrous". There were also calls for her to appear before the next Fianna Fáil party meeting. Fianna Fáil Junior Minister Jack Chambers however claims the party has full confidence in the Justice Minister. Amid an ongoing rift between the Irish and UK governments on asylum seekers entering this country from over the border, the Tanaiste has told the Northern Ireland secretary that Gardaí will not be sent to police the border. Speaking in the House of Lords last night, former DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds says he doesn't want the North to be a "dumping ground" for returned asylum seekers.