Taoiseach says 'clarity' provided on asylum returns as UK denies 'legal obligation'
A Downing Street spokesperson said that while there is “not a legal obligation to accept the return of asylum seekers and under those operational arrangements no asylum seekers have been returned to the UK”.
Taoiseach Simon Harris has said that Britain has provided “clarity” that there is an “operational agreement” between them and the Irish governments regarding asylum “returns”.
This is despite a Downing Street spokesperson saying that while there is “not a legal obligation to accept the return of asylum seekers and under those operational arrangements no asylum seekers have been returned to the UK”.
“It’s up to the UK government who we do and do not accept into the country,” they added.
During Leaders Questions, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said that the Government has shown “incredible incompetence” as a row between Ireland and the UK continues to simmer.
READ MORE: Immigration row between Ireland and UK - everything you need to know as tensions escalate
Justice Minister Helen McEntee said last week that 80% of asylum seekers arriving at the International Protection Office (IPO) in Dublin had come across the Northern Irish border via the UK.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said on Monday that these figures were not based on “statistical evidence”.
While Ms McEntee brought legislation to Cabinet stating that Britain will be designated a safe country and asylum seekers who have travelled to Ireland will be “returned”, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that he is “not interested” in any “returns scheme” with the Irish Government.
Ms McDonald said the situation has been a “gift to the Tories” ahead of local elections later this week.
She said: “The Minister for Justice says one thing. The Tánaiste contradicts her and says another. Both, it seems, making claims without any supporting data.
“The incompetence is off the charts. At a time when we need calm and an assured response, we get panic.
“At a time when we need competence and clear communication, we get a contradiction.”
She added: “Taoiseach, your Government says that you have an agreement with Britain. The British government says that you do not. Which is it?”
In response, Mr Harris said “there is no confusion” and there has been “clarity” from London on the issue.
He explained: “When Britain made the decision to leave the European Union, there was an agreement put in place. One that, indeed, has been confirmed by the British government today in relation to an operational agreement for migrants and refugees to be returned in both directions.”
The Taoiseach also dismissed suggestions that there was a “contradiction” between Minister McEntee and the Tánaiste on the 80% figure as he stood over the figures.
A Downing Street spokesperson said while there are “operational arrangements” between Britain and Ireland, there is “not a legal obligation to accept the return of asylum seekers and under those operational arrangements no asylum seekers have been returned to the UK”.
Labour leader Ivana Bacik, meanwhile, asked Mr Harris how Ireland could designate the UK as a “safe country” to “return” asylum seekers given the threat that they will be sent to Rwanda by the British Government.
The Taoiseach responded: “We obviously have to make sure our rules are enforced and it's really important.
“People in this country want to see a rules-based immigration system.”
On his way into Cabinet on Tuesday morning, Mr Harris said there is "a legitimate expectation that agreements between two countries are honoured".
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