Today, new legislation overhauling Ireland’s asylum system has come into force. The International Protection Act 2026, which transposes provisions required under the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum into Irish law, was signed into law in April and takes effect from today.

Commenting on the legislation, the civil society Coalition on the EU Pact reiterated its ongoing concerns about the Act and its impact on people seeking protection, as well as on those granted refugee status.

John Lannon, CEO of Doras, said, “For the past year and a half, many of us working in the migration sector have been bracing ourselves for the consequences of this rushed legislation when it finally comes into force. Throughout the legislative process, there was very little opportunity for consultation and meaningful debate, and that was recognised across the political spectrum. Our focus now is on supporting the people who will be affected, as they navigate a new system that has been flawed from the outset. As the first applicants begin moving through the new process, we will be closely monitoring how rights are upheld, especially for vulnerable individuals, such as survivors of torture, domestic violence and children. Basic rights cannot be trampled upon for the sake of speedier procedure.”

Fiona Hurley, CEO of Nasc, said, “At a time when Ireland should be strengthening safe and legal pathways to protection, this legislation moves in the opposite direction. The Act introduces new barriers that will keep families separated for longer, leaving partners and children in dangerous and unstable situations and, in some cases, trapped in conflict zones with no realistic prospect of joining loved ones in Ireland. It will place enormous strain on parents and children, affecting their mental health and wellbeing, and making it much harder for people to rebuild their lives and integrate into their communities. Given the relatively small number of people who benefit from family reunification each year, these changes are disproportionate, unnecessary and cruel.”

Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, said, “The new Act, as the EU Pact itself, prioritises expediency and fast-tracking over the rights and needs of individuals. This legislation will rush people through the protection process with little access to essential safeguards and legal advice. Many organisations and political leaders across Ireland have criticised the rushed legislative process behind this legislation. Despite limited resources, we remain determined to support people affected and to challenge any breaches of human rights wherever they arise.”

ENDS

Contact: Caroline França, Communications Lead (Doras) M: 083 421 2298

Notes to Editor

The Coalition on the EU Migration Pact includes the Irish Refugee Council, Doras, Nasc, Irish Council for Civil Liberties, Immigrant Council of Ireland, Irish Penal Reform Trust, Jesuit Refugee Service, Oxfam Ireland, Crosscare, LGBT Ireland, Spirasi, Outhouse, Akidwa, ActionAid and Sanctuary Runners.

Many members of the Coalition have raised serious concerns about the Pact, including its focus on deterrence and externalisation, and its potential impact on fundamental rights.

The coalition has engaged extensively on the proposed legislation, including submitting a detailed analysis to the Justice Committee. Key concerns with the legislation include:

  • The potential detention of unaccompanied children
  • Broad and disproportionate powers granted to the Minister for Justice across the protection process
  • Significant restrictions on family reunification rights
  • Unclear age assessment provisions lacking key child protection safeguards
  • Limited access to oral appeals
  • Expanded Garda powers
  • The absence of key safeguards throughout the process

Submissions from the Coalition: https://www.irishrefugeecouncil.ie/media-centre/our-publications/coalition-on-the-eu-pact-submissions