WATCH: Ireland cannot be used as a ‘back door’ for asylum seekers - Minister
Minister for Justice says Ireland has to have a ‘firm but fair’ approach to international protection applicants
“We have to say no to people who do not need our protection” is what Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has said in response to questions regarding asylum seekers.
Speaking in Limerick this Wednesday, Minister McEntee was asked about asylum seekers staying in tents in Dublin and specifically around the Grand Canal.
She said: “Of course we don’t want to see anybody in tents and make sure people have a roof over their heads but we are dealing with unprecedented times.
“I think this government has been doing everything that we possibly can to provide support for those who are seeking asylum and those who are fleeing war, persecution and conflict.
“We’ve had more than a quadrupling of people seeking international protection - we have to give people an answer and protection as quickly as possible so that they can move on with their lives.”
On the other hand, Minister McEntee continued by saying Ireland must have a ‘firm but fair’ approach to those seeking international protection.
“But also, we have to be really clear that we have a system where a person who is not entitled to protection is removed from the country.
“We have to ensure that our international protection system is not used as a back door for people to come here who are not choosing the right channels.”
PICTURE: Adrian Butler