BRUSSELS / DUBLIN — Ireland will not accept the relocation of migrants under the European Union’s new Pact on Migration and Asylum, opting instead to provide a financial contribution to the bloc’s solidarity pool. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan announced the decision today in Brussels, confirming that Ireland will pay €9.26 million in 2027 to support member states facing the highest migratory pressure.
The decision comes even as the EU has determined that Ireland itself is “at risk” of migratory pressure, granting it priority access to the EU Migration Support Toolbox.
Justification for Financial Pledge
The new EU mechanism—the ‘solidarity pool’—requires member states to either relocate individuals for screening from countries facing large numbers of migrants or pay into a common migration fund.
Minister O’Callaghan cited the “sustained high number of applications for international protection” and the increased arrivals of people benefiting from temporary protection as factors that have put Ireland’s systems under severe pressure.
“Ireland will not be accepting relocations given the pressures on our system but will make a payment of €9.26million in 2027 as a pledge to support the countries under the most extreme pressure,” the Justice Minister stated.
EU Support and New Measures
Despite its choice not to take relocations, Ireland’s ‘at risk’ status means it will have priority access to the EU Migration Support Toolbox. This toolbox offers financial, operational, and technical assistance from EU bodies and agencies, including support for return and reintegration activities.
Other key measures agreed upon by EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers today include:
- A new return system for migrants staying in the EU unlawfully.
- The establishment of a new list of safe countries of origin.
- A proposal to update the reasons for designating a country as a safe third country.
