MEPs reject deal with UK on immigration controls
Irish MEPs have ruled out Ireland making a special deal over immigration controls with London.
The reactions came following reports Britain, after it leaves the EU, plans to use entry points to Ireland as its frontline in combating illegal immigration.
London wants to beef up controls at Irish ports and airports in order to avoid the return of a “hard border” with the North.
Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire said Ireland’s external borders would be strengthened to combat unwanted migration. He indicated a “high level of collaboration on a joint programme of work” was already under way.
“This includes investment in border procedures; increased data sharing to inform immigration and border security decisions; passenger data systems enabling the collection and processing of advance passenger information; and harmonised visa processes.”
Attempts to use Irish entry points such as Dublin Airport and Rosslare port as the front line of British immigration controls could be controversial.
Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald said there was continuous co-operation with the British. “The whole question of security in our ports, in our interest as well as in the interests of the UK, is going to be an area that’s going to be more focused on anyway in relation to terrorism.
“I envisage security co-operation continuing and developing if anything over the next number of years, so there isn’t anything surprising in what he has said.”
Irish MEPs responded with criticism to the suggestion. Fine Gael’s Mairéad McGuinness said: “What is very clear from an Irish point of view, the negotiations will be led by and with our colleagues. We will not do bilateral deals.
“Sometimes when I listen to what UK ministers are saying or suggesting, I’m not sure they are in touch with reality of what they have voted for, although the people of Northern Ireland did not vote for this, they voted to remain within the EU. We don’t want a hard border north and south, but the perimeter?
“There’s going to be more focus on the perimeter all along, because we are now the border of the EU.”
