Advocates raise human rights concerns as new international protection laws passed

Department of Justice says the International Protection Bill 2026 provides for a 'fair, sustainable and efficient' asylum procedure

People seeking International Protection and Asylum seekers protest against deportations outside Leinster House. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins

New International Protection laws, touted by the Government as the “most significant reform” to asylum legislation in the history of the State, have passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas.

However, while the Department of Justice said the International Protection Bill 2026 provides for a “fair, sustainable and efficient” asylum procedure, advocates claim the new laws raise serious human rights concerns and put Ireland on a “dangerous path”.