Simon Harris Defends Immigration Policy Review, Accuses Opposition of Avoiding Serious Debate

Dublin: Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris has strongly criticised opposition parties for attacking the government’s decision to review Ireland’s immigration policy, accusing them of avoiding meaningful debate on the issue.

Harris said some left-wing parties were attempting to shut down serious discussions on immigration by resorting to “unnecessary criticism” rather than seeking real solutions. He emphasised that the government’s review would address not only illegal immigration but also the rising levels of regular immigration, which have placed growing pressure on public systems.

The Tánaiste’s comments follow his earlier statement that the government was “seriously considering” measures to reduce the overall number of immigrants — remarks made in the wake of the recent Citywest incident. Harris said his stance reflected a recognition of both the benefits and challenges of immigration.

At the same time, opposition parties pointed to a September report from the Department of Justice showing a significant decline in asylum applications compared to the previous year.

Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin dismissed Harris’s remarks, while Social Democrats justice spokesman Gary Gannon accused Harris of “trying to follow Nigel Farage’s path.”

Responding to these criticisms, Harris said it was “deeply irresponsible” to avoid discussion on immigration. “Failing to engage in open, honest debate does a great disservice to both the people and the social cohesion of this country,” he said.

Harris also noted that 80% of asylum applications in Ireland are rejected, arguing that this underscores the need to review the current system. “If I wanted, I could have stayed silent,” he said. “But as political leaders, our responsibility is to confront difficult issues — and that is exactly what I am doing.”

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