Fine Gael senators have called for speedier action on immigration, tabling a motion on the issue on Wednesday. The Private Members’ motion was brought before the Seanad on Wednesday evening.
Speaking on the motion, Senator Garrett Kelleher of Fine Gael said: “It is important to recognise the scale of the issue Ireland had to deal with in the area of international protection and how quickly it escalated as a result of international conflicts and climate change in various parts of the world. In the decade prior to 2022, there were an average of 2,500 international protection applicants per year over a ten-year period.
The motion acknowledged that somewhere in the region of 25,000 people arrived during that time, and that in 2022, the number of applicants increased dramatically to approximately 13,500.
It notes that there were another 13,500 in 2023, and that in 2024, the number of applicants rose to in excess of 16,000.
“Dealing with that scale of change obviously posed massive logistical issues. We were in a weak bargaining position, for want of a better expression, when it came to offers of accommodation. This is something we have to seek to rectify as we seek to manage the problems that have arisen,” said Mr Kelleher.
The motion, signed by all Fine Gael senators, also calls for an investment in “additional resources so we can ensure that we can quickly process visa and immigration permissions.”
Senator Sharon Keogan meanwhile told the Seanad that if “we lost our welcome, we lose who we are.”
The Independent put forward an amendment to the Private Members’ motion which stated: The Seanad acknowledges that “the Irish people, as the historic community indigenous to this island, possess a unique cultural and linguistic heritage of global significance.”
“Further, the motion acknowledged that consistent with the principles of the founders of the Republic and the democratic mandate, the Irish people act through the State to determine migration policy in a manner that reflects their economic interests and cultural community, while respecting Ireland’s international obligations.”
“I believe, if we centre this debate, it is an open statement of principle that focuses on the positive rather than the negative and is a discussion that cuts to the very deep question about who we are and what we must do,” Senator Keogan said. “This debate is not, and should never be, about hatred of the other. It is about love for ourselves and for our identity as a unique people and nation. That love often forces us to find balance between contradictory things. We must acknowledge that we as a people can and will change, but we must also preserve those essential things that make us who we are: our culture, language and the remembrance of our history and heritage.
“Part of what makes us Irish is that we are a welcoming people. Throughout our history we have brought others into our nation, from the Norse to the Norsemen. We must also acknowledge two truths. First, these assimilations were often long and sometimes conflict-filled processes. Second, migration today is on a scale never seen before.”
The Independent Senator said that “poorly managed mass migration into a country that does not believe in itself can turn a nation into a divided land of strangers.”
“We are a welcoming people but we must be prudent and fair in whom we welcome and ensure our welcome is not abused, because if we lose that welcome, we lose part of who we are as a people,” added Senator Keogan.
“That is why this amendment matters. It affirms that the Irish people, through the democratic process, have the right to shape migration policy in a way that protects both our openness and our identity. It is a statement of confidence in who we are and a call to act wisely so we remain who we are and we remain fair to those who come to our nation in good faith.
“Principle must be matched with practical action. That is why I am also proposing amendments that deal with the realities we face today.”
“First, we urge the Government to seek flexibility with the EU migration pact to address migratory pressures, and, if that flexibility cannot be found, to give due consideration to an opt-out. Ireland must retain the ability to act in its own best interest when circumstances demand it. While I personally believe we should pursue an opt-out, I would like the Minister of State to know I will be closely following the new international protection Bill 2025, which aims to bring us into line with the pact, and I look forward to the debates and discussions which will follow.”
“In light of the UK’s situation, I also personally urge the Department to take a look at whether the European Court of Human Rights is having any unintended impact on Ireland’s ability to enforce its migration laws. If it is not the ECHR, then we must ask whether our own domestic laws need to be reformed, just as the UK has recently done, to ensure our system is fair, efficient and sustainable,” the Senator continued.
“Above all, I urge the Government to upgrade Ireland’s domestic capacity with more resources for processing, enforcement and accommodation so that our policies are not just words on paper but actions in practice. I acknowledge the work the Minister of State and his team have done so far under immense pressure, but as they say, “lots done, more to do”.
Second, we urge a review of deportation policies for international protection applicants convicted of criminal offences and, in particular, to consider immediate deportations for those found guilty of serious crimes. Our compassion must never come at the expense of public safety.
“Third, we call for an examination of citizenship criteria to ensure a meaningful contribution to society such as a requirement for five years of employment contributions. Citizenship is not just a legal status; it is a shared commitment to the common good.
“We urge the Government to ensure unaccompanied minors whose ages cannot be verified are not accommodated with verified minors and that placement decisions take account of cultural and religious sensitivities to prevent potential conflicts. Protecting the vulnerable means protecting all minors from harm. These amendments are not about closing doors. They are about keeping Ireland open but in a way that is fair, safe and sustainable. They are about ensuring our welcome remains strong because it is grounded in confidence, prudence and respect for our own identity.
“While I have the Minister of State’s attention, I ask him to share with this House Government statistics on interview attendance rates so we can have an informed debate based on facts.
“I also ask the Minister of State to consider reviewing procedures for applicants who fail to attend interviews – I speak in particular of their section 35 or substantive interview – including consideration of stricter consequences, such as the cutting of supports or issuing of deportation orders, if they do not turn up for that interview. There have to be consequences and I want the Minister of State to take those considerations into practice.”
Senator Keogan moved an amendment to urge the government to seek flexibility within the EU Migration Pact to address migratory pressures, and to give due consideration to an opt-out of the Pact if the needed flexibility cannot be found within the Pact.
In addition, the amendment called for a review of deportation policies for international protection applicants convicted of criminal offences, and in particular to consider immediate deportations for those found guilty of criminal offences. It also called for an examination of citizenship criteria to ensure meaningful contribution to society, such as a requirement for five years of employment contribution.
The Fine Gael Private Members motion also raised the issue of the scale of numbers. It warned: “There are genuine concerns by local communities around the provision of international protection. Ireland, like every other democratic state, is not immune from the threat of violent extremism.”
The Seanad divided on the Fine Gael motion, with 32 senators voting yes and 11 voting against. Senator Sarah O’Reilly of Aontú supported Senator Keogan’s amendment, but because fewer than five senators supported it, the amendment was rejected.