Dáil votes to join EU Asylum and Migration Pact in 80 characters

The Dáil has decided to join the EU Asylum and Migration Pact after heated debates. The Government’s stance is that embracing the pact is crucial for Ireland to address the challenges posed by increasing migration trends in the EU.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee had announced earlier in the year that Ireland would opt into the pact. This decision means implementing stringent processing times for International Protection Applications, hiring more staff, constructing new accommodation centers, strengthening border security, and improving fingerprint collection.

However, critics have raised concerns about the pact being overly forceful. Sinn Féin has urged Ireland to waive some of the pact’s measures to ensure greater flexibility for future governments.

With a slim majority of 79 votes to 72, the Dáil’s move to opt into the EU Asylum and Migration Pact signifies a significant shift in Ireland’s approach to managing migration challenges within the EU.