#745 The EU Is Now Controlling Irish Illegal Immigration

Niall talks to Paul Lawless about the Government’s plans to implement the new EU Migration and Asylum Pact, which comes into effect on June 12 and promises faster processing of asylum applications across the EU. Supporters believe the pact could finally bring more order and efficiency to Europe’s immigration system, while critics fear Ireland is surrendering control of its own borders and immigration policies to Brussels.Aontú argues the real problem lies at the border with Northern Ireland, claiming most illegal immigrants are entering the Republic through the North, and says the only solution is stronger border controls down the Irish Sea. Niall and Paul debate whether Ireland has already lost control of immigration, why public frustration continues to grow, and whether the Government is capable of handling the crisis. They also discuss the pressure immigration is putting on housing, healthcare and public services, and ask whether ordinary concerns about immigration are too often dismissed or ignored by political leaders and the media.