Jim O'Callaghan

Jim O’Callaghan yesterday met with his European counterparts in Brussels to discuss a range of security and migration issues at the Justice and Home Affairs Council.

Ministers reached an agreed position on a new common European return system for migrants staying in the EU unlawfully, a measure to establish a list of safe countries of origin at EU level, and a proposal to update the reasons for determining a country to be a safe third country.

A decision was also adopted establishing a mechanism to provide increased support for member states facing increased migratory pressure, including Ireland.

Other issues on the agenda for ministers included the threats to internal security posed by drones, the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime, and measures to strengthen and reinforce the functioning of the Schengen area.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr O’Callaghan reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to support EU efforts to adopt and implement a common and effective European system for returning people with no legal permission to be in the EU, despite criticism from human rights campaigners.

“Ireland has long recognised the value of introducing a strong and efficient common returns system for those with no legal right to remain in the EU,” he said.

“The adoption today of a common position on what that system should look like, takes us a significant step closer to adopting it.

“Having a strong, collective approach to returns will send a clear signal to third country nationals that a return decision issued in any member state cannot be evaded and will be enforced.”

Ministers also discussed the implementation of the EU Pact on Asylum and Migration and agreed a common position on an EU-wide list of safe countries of origin and the criteria for determining what is a “safe third country”.

Mr O’Callaghan said: “We are all focused on working to prepare for the implementation of the Pact on Asylum and Migration in June 2026.

“The agreement reached by ministers today on two additional measures related to safe third countries will strengthen the integrity of our system and improve the operation of the Common European Asylum System.”

The Council of Ministers also adopted a decision establishing a “solidarity pool”, a new EU mechanism under the Pact to help member states facing migratory pressure, either through relocations or by providing financial assistance.

As part of this decision, Ireland was recognised as being ‘at risk of migratory pressure’ and as such will have priority access to the EU migration support toolbox.

The toolbox offers tailor-made support to member states including operational and technical support by EU bodies, offices and agencies; financial support and support to facilitate return and reintegration activities.

Welcoming the new solidarity mechanism, Mr O’Callaghan said: “Ireland is committed to showing solidarity with other EU member states and recognises the need for measures to create a responsive and fair international protection system across the EU.

“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 €9.26 million in 2027 as a pledge to support the countries under the most extreme pressure.”

Amnesty International, a long-standing critic of the EU Pact on Asylum and Migration, expressed disappointment with the outcome of yesterday’s meeting, which it warned was following in the footsteps of the Trump regime in the United States.

Olivia Sundberg Diez, EU advocate on migration and asylum at Amnesty International, said: “EU ministers’ position on the Return Regulation reveals the EU’s dogged and misguided insistence on ramping up deportations, raids, surveillance, and detention at any cost.

“These punitive measures amount to an unprecedented stripping of rights based on migration status and will leave more people in precarious situations and legal limbo.

“In addition, EU member states continue to push for cruel and unworkable ‘return hubs’, or offshore deportation centres outside of the EU — forcibly transferring people to countries where they have no connection and may be detained for long periods, violating protections in international law.

“This approach mirrors the harrowing, dehumanising and unlawful mass arrests, detention and deportations in the US, which are tearing families apart and devastating communities.”

She added: “Today, the Council has taken an already deeply flawed and restrictive Commission proposal and opted to introduce new punitive measures, dismantling safeguards and weakening rights further, rather than advancing policies that promote dignity, safety and health for all.

“They will inflict deep harm on migrants and the communities that welcome them.

“Amnesty International urges the European Parliament, which is yet to adopt its final position on the proposal, to reverse this approach and place human rights firmly at the centre of upcoming negotiations.”