JUSTICE AND MIGRATION Minister Jim O’Callaghan said he’s committed to ensuring Ireland is “not viewed more favourably than the UK by those seeking to claim asylum”.

His statement comes following proposed reforms to the UK’s asylum practices.

O’Callaghan said he and Government are “aware” that changes to the UK’s asylum system “can result in changes to the flow of asylum seekers between the UK and Ireland”.

He continued: “Consequently, I will closely monitor the changes proposed by the UK Government and will respond to those proposals having considered them fully and discussed them with government colleagues.”

A new International Protection Bill to reform Ireland’s asylum system will be published later this year. O’Callaghan said any “necessary” changes arising from the UK’s change of policy can be included in that bill.

“Prior to the changes proposed by Home Secretary Mahmood, I had already directed a separate review of Ireland’s rules on family reunification and will shortly bring proposals to Government in respect of this issue,” he said.

Government figures have said previously that estimates place the percentage of asylum seekers entering Ireland through the border with Northern Ireland at around 80%.

In the UK today, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the country’s current asylum system is “out of control and unfair” as she announced reforms aimed at deterring illegal migration.

Among the plans, refugee status will become temporary with regular reviews every 30 months, and government will not longer have a legal duty to provide asylum seeker support, which means housing and weekly allowances for asylum seekers will not be guaranteed.

In both the UK and Ireland, the respective governments have shifted their stance on migration as their popularity slumps.

Tánaiste Simon Harris at the weekend defended himself against Labour accusations that he is “quite populist” regarding migration, and denied opposition assertions that he was dogwhistling or mirroring the politics of Reform leader Nigel Farage.

This evening, Sinn Féin’s Matt Carthy said O’Callaghan’s comments show the “folly” of signing up the EU Migration and Asylum Pact.

He said the Justice Minister should secure a bilateral agreement with Britain to ensure international protection applicants that have arrived in Ireland through the UK and “should be processed in Britain can promptly be returned there”.

Carthy said Sinn Féin opposes moves that “undermine Irish sovereignty”, hand over more power to the EU and “impede our ability to make decisions in areas such as migration”.

Additional reporting by PA