Mary Lou McDonald slams Government ‘incompetence’ on immigration
Mary Lou McDonald slams Government "incompetence" on immigration
The Government's incompetence on migration is "off the charts," making it appear that nobody capable is in charge, the Dáil has been told. Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald said the Government had made a complete mess of the situation in recent days, with a "chaotic approach" and no plan to get to grips with the influx.
There was confusion between the Tánaiste and the Minister which had spread to the two Governments as to whether there was or was not an agreement for the taking back of asylum seekers denied the right to remain here, she said. Taoiseach Simon Harris said however that there was an agreement, as had been confirmed by Downing Street today, and the Minister for Justice had recieved Cabinet clearance to introduce emergency legislation It would be brought in before the end of May, he indicated.
"This is just one of a number of measures we are taiking to make sure we come at this issue from all angles," he said. There were ten countries on the safe list, and Nigeria was among them, he said, noting that Nigerians are now the most prominent nationality seeking refuge and asylum in the Republic.
Mr Harris said the Common Travel Area coordination group between the two Governments was due to meet in any case next week, and he welcomed that. On the 80pc figure, Mr Harris said such information was shared with the Minister by her officials, and she had then responsibly offered it in turn.
