'Incredibly regressive' parts of EU Migration and Asylum Pact 'would make Tommy Robinson blush'

Labour MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said that, while an EU-wide migration pact is required, 'it is [Britain’s failed] Rwanda Act in EU form'

Mon, 08 Jun, 2026 - 01:00

Louise Burne

Elements of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact would “make Tommy Robinson blush” and are “incredibly regressive”, Irish MEPS have warned.

MEPs across Government and opposition parties told the Irish Examiner they have concerns about the establishment of “return hubs” ahead of the enactment of the EU-wide pact on Friday.

Last week, the European Council and European Parliament agreed to allow member states to establish return hubs in third countries outside the bloc. These centres will act as the final destination for failed asylum seekers or as transit points.

People facing deportation orders who are deemed uncooperative or a flight risk could be detained for up to two years, extendable to 30 months.

The laws will also enable national authorities to raid homes to enforce deportation orders.

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However, MEPs from across the political spectrum have reservations about the return mechanism.

Labour MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said that while an EU-wide migration pact is required, some elements of this pact are “extremely regressive”.

“Elements of it would make Tommy Robinson blush,” he warned. “It is [Britain’s failed] Rwanda Act in EU form.

“It gives an open door for member states to have raids of hospitals, raids of private employment, homes, if a member state so wishes.”

'Money-making issue'

Ireland South Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher said he is concerned about third-country returns.

He said this included families being separated, and that countries could see this as a “money-making issue”.

Mr Kelleher said he supports the pact as it contains “mandatory pre-entry screening”, fast-track border procedures, and the Eurodac database that records applicants’ fingerprints.

He said there will be “no obligation” for Ireland to take on more asylum seekers, and countries will be able to make financial contributions.

Ireland South Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion said migration policy should be determined by individual countries, adding that she is “uncomfortable” about return hubs.

“I would be particularly concerned about women and children, particularly unaccompanied minors,” she said.

Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly said the pact must “reflect” Ireland’s capacity and deliver a fair and workable system.

Asked if he agreed with Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins’s suggestion that Ireland is “selling out Irish sovereignty”, Mr Mullooly said it is a “done deal” and he is “not exercised” about it.

He abstained on votes about third-country returns because some countries under consideration are not “safe”, adding people are entitled to a “proper hearing” and you could end up “sending someone back to their death”.

He said there are parts of the pact that are welcome, but he has “legitimate concerns” as Ireland is experiencing enormous pressure on housing, healthcare, and local services.