Council of the European Union Decision: Motions
Seanad Éireann — 2026-09-29
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Robbie Gallagher (FF), Labour Panel

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire go dtí an Teach. The Minister is very welcome back to the House this afternoon. On behalf of the Fianna Fáil grouping, I am happy to support both motions as outlined in detail by the Minister. I commend the Minister on the record for the vigour and the reforms he has brought to his portfolio, particularly on this matter. The reforms are clearly working and I commend him on his work and wish him well in his ongoing reforms in this area.
We all strive to see a migration system that is fair but firm. To have a proper firm and fair system, it is important that proper readmission pathways are in place. I welcome that it is not just the EU but also that Ireland is building up relations with Nigeria in this regard. It is one of the strengths of the EU pact that no one can go it alone in relation to migration and no country can go on a solo run. We have seen that our nearest neighbour, Britain, tried that particular vehicle, but, unfortunately for that country, it has proved to be quite a task and it is finding it difficult to get on top of this issue. Co-operation is the keyword here, not just in relation to our EU partners but concerning other countries too. I welcome that co-operation is growing with Nigeria in this regard. I look forward to that co-operation strengthening in future.
In the list of countries that are top of the league table for people coming here, where is Nigeria? In relation to readmissions or returns of those people not legally entitled to be hear, what are the statistics in this regard? I am happy to fully agree with the proposals as set out by the Minister, and I look forward to his response to my query.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-09-29/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-10-05T01:00:59+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-09-29