Govt planning illegal immigrants crackdown

The Government is reportedly planning to introduce tough new laws to crack down on illegal immigrants during the next Dáil term.

Reports this morning say the Taoiseach and Minister for Justice are drawing up legislation that will force all non-EU citizens to carry biometric ID cards containing details of their residence permits.

The Bill will also reportedly abolish the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, make it more difficult for immigrants to receive welfare payments and give the authorities the power to summarily detain and deport anyone without Irish residency rights.

The move is likely to anger civil liberties campaigners and prompt accusations that the Government is targeting immigrants to try to win votes at the next election.