Dublin: The Bishops’ Council has voiced strong concerns over the newly enacted International Protection legislation, warning that it places excessive emphasis on enforcement at the expense of fairness and human rights safeguards.
The law, signed earlier this week by President Catherine Connolly, is set to come into force in June as part of the broader European Union Asylum and Migration Pact. While the government has defended the legislation as balanced and necessary, the Bishops’ Council for Migrants, Refugees, Justice and Peace has expressed serious reservations about its implications.
Council chair Bishop Alan McGuckian said the framework appears to prioritise firmness over fairness. Of particular concern is the provision allowing for the detention of children in exceptional circumstances. The Council stressed that international human rights standards discourage the detention of minors for immigration-related reasons.
The bishops also highlighted several other contentious elements in the legislation, including restrictions on oral appeals, limitations on applicants’ freedom of movement, and expanded powers granted to Gardaí to arrest and detain individuals.
Further criticism was directed at the lack of clarity surrounding asylum and border procedures, especially in relation to age assessments and protections for vulnerable applicants. The Council also raised objections to new family reunification rules, noting that delays of up to three years could have serious social and emotional consequences.
Additionally, concerns were expressed about the implementation of Essential Legal Counselling under the new system. The Council urged that the Legal Aid Board be adequately resourced to ensure timely access to legal advice and representation for asylum seekers.
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