It was revealed over 80 per cent of those seeking asylum enter the country through the border with Northern Ireland
The Irish Mirror has hit the streets of Dublin to ask people about the need for checkpoints between Ireland and Northern Ireland after it was revealed that over 80 per cent of those seeking asylum enter the country via that border.
Speaking at the Oireachtas Justice Committee on Tuesday, Justice Minister Helen McEntee shared that the number was higher than 80 per cent while responding to a question from Fianna Fáil Senator Robbie Gallagher.
The minister explained that nearly 5,000 people have applied for asylum in Ireland so far this year, with more than half of those coming through another country in what are known as secondary movements.
Minister Helen McEntee explained that a large amount of these applicants have come via the border with Northern Ireland, more than 80 per cent, but that Ireland was engaging with UK authorities regularly on the matter.
It comes as McEntee introduced new measures to the cabinet to speed up international protection application processing times.
With news that a large portion of asylum applicants enter Ireland through the border with Northern Ireland, the Irish Mirror headed to the streets of Dublin to ask people if there is a need for checkpoints between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror, one man said that the government should not bring people into the country if they do not have the facilities to accommodate them and afford them “basic human decency”.
“I don’t think it’s a major issue at the moment,” one man told the Irish Mirror. “Obviously, there needs to be change. The problem is we have free movement for Irish people between ourselves and the north.
“But that’s only open to people who have Irish passports. You can’t have a country where it’s an open-door policy for people to come in.”
He added: “It’s disgraceful to allow to bring people in from abroad, refugees, and to not have accommodation, just have the basic human dignity to help anybody, it doesn’t matter what country you’re from.
“You have to have that basic human decency to put them into proper accommodation. I mean, we are brought up as human beings. The government should be ashamed of themselves, I don’t know whether they’re trying to impress people in Europe, but you can’t bring people into the country but you don’t have the facilities.”
A second man that the Irish Mirror spoke to suggested that there should be checkpoints going from Northern Ireland into the Republic of Ireland.
“There should be checkpoints, they should be vetted,” he said. “If I go anywhere in the world, I have to bring a passport.
“Over here, you don’t need a passport. There is chaos going on in the world. Why wouldn’t they come over here if they are coming from war-torn countries, and that’s getting abused but like no papers?
“You need papers going in somewhere. That is just a common fact, you have to have papers. Because as I said, you don’t know what’s coming in. I’m not racist, nothing against people, against the ones that come in with documentation.
“But the ones without, it’s just not right. It’s the government giving people false promises.”
Do you think there should be a checkpoint for refugees coming into Ireland from Belfast? Let us know in the comments below.
Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
News Related-
Pedestrian in his 70s dies after being struck by a lorry in Co Laois
-
Vermont shooting updates: Burlington police reveal suspect’s eerie reaction to arrest
-
Grace Dent says her ‘heart is broken’ as she exits I’m A Celebrity early
-
Stromer’s ST3 Urban E-Bike Goes Fancy With Minimalist Design, Modern Tech
-
Under-pressure Justice Minister announces review of the use of force for gardaí
-
My appearance has changed because of ageing, says Jennifer Lawrence
-
Man allegedly stabbed in the head during row in Co Wexford direct provision centre
-
Children escape without injury after petrol bomb allegedly thrown at house in Cork City
-
Wexford gardai investigating assault as man is bitten in the face during Main Street altercation
-
Child minder’s husband handed eight year sentence for abusing two children
-
The full list of the best London restaurants, cafes and takeaways revealed at the Good Food Awards
-
Mazda CEO Says EVs 'Not Taking Off' In The U.S.—Except Teslas
-
Leitrim locals set up checkpoint to deter asylum seekers
-
Ask A Doctor: Can You Get Shingles More Than Once?