Taoiseach 'open-minded' on sending asylum seekers to third countries for processing

Simon Harris said it would be 'absurd' not to look at the overall migration strategy in light of increasing numbers

Simon Harris said any proposal put forward would have to be compliant with human rights laws and be beneficial.

The Taoiseach has said he will remain "open-minded" on the idea of processing asylum applications in third countries.

In its manifesto for next week's elections, the European People's Party (EPP) says it will "conclude agreements with third countries to ensure that asylum seekers can also be granted protection in a civilised and safe way". 

Italy has agreed a deal with Albania, which would see up to 3,000 migrants taken from international waters processed in that country before being allowed entry.

Asked if he would support Ireland entering into such an agreement in Dublin, Simon Harris said he would remain open-minded. Mr Harris said it would be "absurd" not to look at the overall migration strategy in light of increasing numbers.

"I think we should have a very open mind in relation to this," Mr Harris said, adding immigration had been a good thing for Ireland.

"Because if we've learned anything about the migration challenge is that it is a global challenge... but we do have to have rules and a rules-based system. 

"And so much of the migration and immigration that comes to Ireland is through secondary movement. So the idea that we wouldn't have a composite look at migration, migration policy and law from a European level to me just would seem absurd.

"If that brings you into the space of looking at the borders of the European Union. Well, I think, of course, it raises questions as to at what point and where you assess people's application."

Mr Harris said any proposal put forward would have to be compliant with human rights laws and be beneficial.

There have been other countries... where we'd have very significant concerns around the compliance of their actions with the ECHR and with human rights, so anything in this space would have to be human rights compliant.

The Taoiseach also said his party would "work day and night" to stop the EPP entering into an alliance with far-right blocs in the next European Parliament. However, he said he believed "the centre will hold".

"I think there's a great effort to try to predict the outcome of the European elections with a great sense of certainty. I think the polling data that we're seeing across the European Union suggests that, I think, the centre will hold," he said. 

"I think it's important that we don't in this country send extremes to the European Parliament. It's certainly not my intention for Fine Gael MEPs or presumed MEPs to see any such coalition take place in the European Parliament. I don't expect that to be the outcome of the election.

"My party finds everything about the far right to be absolutely repugnant. We will be working night and day with EPP colleagues across the European Union to ensure that the far right does not find itself in a position of influence in the European Parliament.