Major overhaul of asylum laws passed by Oireachtas

Jim O'Callaghan

The International Protection Bill 2026 paves the way for the implementation in Ireland of the controversial EU Migration and Asylum Pact, though human rights advocates say it omits key safeguards which are either required or permitted by the Pact.

Justice, home affairs and migration minister Jim O’Callaghan said: “This bill represents a pivotal step in our implementation of a rules-based migration and asylum system in Ireland and across all EU member states.

“The Pact recognises that migration requires sharing responsibility, robust and fair management of external borders, and stronger governance of asylum and migration policies.

“It remains clear that migration is inherently a transnational issue. No country can deal with the challenges around migration alone.

“I am proud of the committed and collective work that has been done to get the bill to this stage. I want to particularly thank officials in my Department, the Office of Parliamentary Council, and the Advisory Council in the Attorney General’s Office.

“I look forward to seeing the results that the Pact will yield.”

The government says faster decision-making under the bill will mean that successful applicants will be granted international protection sooner, and those whose applications are refused will be returned to their country of origin sooner.

Colm Brophy, minister of state with responsibility for migration, said: “This government is committed to ensuring a firm, fair and effective migration system. The passage of this bill represents an important milestone in ensuring our international protection system is working as it should.

“This bill should reduce the overall number of applicants, firstly by reducing secondary movement through the EU, and secondly through the increased use of significantly accelerated processes.

“With an improved system, I want to see a reduction in IPAS centres around Ireland and a move towards more sustainable migration in the years ahead.”

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission had recommended a number of changes to the bill, including around the use of detention as an absolute last resort, early access to legal advice and representation, and enhanced protections for vulnerable applicants.

Chief commissioner Liam Herrick said: “While it is positive to see that the minister has amended the bill in line with some of our recommendations, serious concerns remain.

“The bill still provides for overly broad and questionable powers of detention, does not provide for access to legal advice and representation at the first stage and purports to restrict the right to family reunification.”

He added: “Family reunification remains a key concern, as current proposals place significant obstacles to families separated by war and conflict being able to reunite with their children and loved ones.

“Being separated from family is one of the most difficult parts of being an international protection applicant. Being reunited with them is one of the most effective ways of promoting integration and family cohesion.”