Ireland has sought to return asylum seekers to the United Kingdom in a bid to stem arrivals through Northern Ireland, reported the British and Irish media&nbsp;on Sunday (Apr 28), amid concerns that Britain’s Rwanda plan would lead to more asylum seekers from the UK.

<h2>About the Irish government’s plan</h2>

The Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Simon Harris has asked the country’s justice minister, Helen McEntee, to introduce legislation to the cabinet which would allow Dublin to return inadmissible international protection applicants to the UK.

The move comes amid concerns that UK PM Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda plan would lead more asylum seekers to enter Ireland through the land border with Northern Ireland.

A spokesperson for Harris said that he wanted to protect the integrity of Ireland’s system and in line with this, the Irish PM had asked the justice minister to bring proposals regarding the designation of safe third countries and allowing the return of inadmissible international protection applicants to the UK.

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Earlier this week, McEntee revealed that 80 per cent of recent arrivals to Ireland came from the UK across the Irish border.&nbsp;

“There are many reasons why we have seen an increase in migration toward Ireland,” said the Irish justice minister speaking on Irish broadcaster RTÉ’s Six One News.&nbsp;

She added, “That’s why I’m introducing fast processing…I’ll have emergency legislation at cabinet this week to make sure that we can effectively return people to the UK.”

McEntee also said she would&nbsp;meet with British Home Secretary James Cleverly and other officials during a visit to London, on Monday (Apr 29), to raise these issues.&nbsp;

<h2>UK’s Rwanda policy</h2>

Ireland’s Tánaiste (deputy PM) Micheál Martin noted how the UK’s Rwanda policy was already impacting Ireland, saying that people were “fearful” of staying in the UK and were crossing the border to the Republic so they would not be sent to the East African country.

Notably, the deputy PM, who also serves as the country’s foreign minister, has previously criticised the UK’s Rwanda policy which became law, on Thursday (Apr 25).

In an interview with Sky News, on Sunday, Sunak defended the controversial Rwanda legislation and noted that it is working as people were worried about coming to the UK.

“The deterrent is - according to your comment - already having an impact, because people are worried about coming here and that demonstrates exactly what I’m saying: if people come to our country illegally, but know that they won’t be able to stay, they’re much less likely to come,” said Sunak.&nbsp;

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He also noted how illegal migration is a “global challenge” and that “multiple countries talk about doing third-country partnerships, looking at novel ways to solve this problem, and I believe will follow where the UK has led.”&nbsp;

<h2>Violent clashes in Ireland</h2>

Last week, violent clashes erupted during a protest in County Wicklow, Ireland, against proposed refugee accommodation which had led to a broader fear over far-right agitation and threats against politicians.

In a speech, later on Sunday, Harris is expected to say that warning signs around the abuse of public figures should be taken seriously “before the unthinkable happens,” according to the Guardian.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Ireland has sought to return asylum seekers to the United Kingdom in a bid to stem arrivals through Northern Ireland, reported the British and Irish media on Sunday (Apr 28), amid concerns that Britain’s Rwanda plan would lead to more asylum seekers from the UK.

Ireland has sought to return asylum seekers to the United Kingdom in a bid to stem arrivals through Northern Ireland, reported the British and Irish media on Sunday (Apr 28), amid concerns that Britain’s Rwanda plan would lead to more asylum seekers from the UK. About the Irish government’s plan The Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Simon Harris has asked the country’s justice minister, Helen McEntee, to introduce legislation to the cabinet which would allow Dublin to return inadmissible international protection applicants to the UK. The move comes amid concerns that UK PM Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda plan would lead more asylum seekers to enter Ireland through the land border with Northern Ireland. A spokesperson for Harris said that he wanted to protect the integrity of Ireland’s system and in line with this, the Irish PM had asked the justice minister to bring proposals regarding the designation of safe third countries and allowing the return of inadmissible international protection applicants to the UK. Also Read | Protesters put up giant Palestinian flag at venue of Biden's White House event Earlier this week, McEntee revealed that 80 per cent of recent arrivals to Ireland came from the UK across the Irish border. “There are many reasons why we have seen an increase in migration toward Ireland,” said the Irish justice minister speaking on Irish broadcaster RTÉ’s Six One News. She added, “That’s why I’m introducing fast processing…I’ll have emergency legislation at cabinet this week to make sure that we can effectively return people to the UK.” McEntee also said she would meet with British Home Secretary James Cleverly and other officials during a visit to London, on Monday (Apr 29), to raise these issues. UK’s Rwanda policy Ireland’s Tánaiste (deputy PM) Micheál Martin noted how the UK’s Rwanda policy was already impacting Ireland, saying that people were “fearful” of staying in the UK and were crossing the border to the Republic so they would not be sent to the East African country. Notably, the deputy PM, who also serves as the country’s foreign minister, has previously criticised the UK’s Rwanda policy which became law, on Thursday (Apr 25). In an interview with Sky News, on Sunday, Sunak defended the controversial Rwanda legislation and noted that it is working as people were worried about coming to the UK. “The deterrent is - according to your comment - already having an impact, because people are worried about coming here and that demonstrates exactly what I’m saying: if people come to our country illegally, but know that they won’t be able to stay, they’re much less likely to come,” said Sunak. Also Read | US intel suggests Putin unlikely to have ordered Navalny's killing: WSJ report He also noted how illegal migration is a “global challenge” and that “multiple countries talk about doing third-country partnerships, looking at novel ways to solve this problem, and I believe will follow where the UK has led.” Violent clashes in Ireland Last week, violent clashes erupted during a protest in County Wicklow, Ireland, against proposed refugee accommodation which had led to a broader fear over far-right agitation and threats against politicians. In a speech, later on Sunday, Harris is expected to say that warning signs around the abuse of public figures should be taken seriously “before the unthinkable happens,” according to the Guardian. (With inputs from agencies)

Irish government plans to send asylum seekers back to UK under new laws

Indian-origin Leo Varadkar on Wednesday (Mar 20) announced that he will step down as the prime minister of Ireland and the leader of the governing Fine Gael party. He cited "personal and political" reasons behind this surprise move as he spoke about his decision.&nbsp;

While addressing the media, Varadkar said that leading the nation was the most "fulfilling time" of his life.&nbsp;

"I am resigning as president and leader of Fine Gael effective today and will resign as the Taoiseach (prime minister) as soon as my successor is able to take up that office," Varadkar told reporters gathered outside government buildings in Dublin.&nbsp;

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Varadkar has served as the prime minister since December 2022, and previously from 2017 to 2020. In 2017, he became Ireland's youngest PM when he became Fine Gael leader. he was also the first gay PM.&nbsp;

He is currently leading the coalition government, along with Fianna Fáil and the Green Party. However, his resignation as head of the three-party coalition won't trigger a general election.&nbsp;

Varadkar said that he had asked for a new leader of the party to be elected ahead of Fine Gael's annual conference on April 6. After that, the parliament would vote on that person becoming prime minister.&nbsp;

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The 45-year-old said, "My reasons for stepping down are both personal and political."&nbsp;

"But after careful consideration, and some soul searching, I believe that a new taoiseach and a new leader will be better placed than me to achieve that (the coalition government's re-election)," he said.&nbsp;

He told about his plans to the coalition members at a regular weekly meeting on Tuesday and they were left stunned. Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said his party would work with whoever replaces Varadkar.&nbsp;

"I've enjoyed being Taoiseach, leader and cabinet member since March 2011. I've learned so much about so many things that so many people who I'd never got to meet into places I would never seen at home and abroad. And I am deeply grateful for it," he said in his closing statement.&nbsp;

As per reports, contenders to succeed Varadkar as Fine Gael leader include Higher Education Minister Simon Harris, who was health minister during the COVID-19 pandemic, Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney, a former deputy prime minister, Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe and Justice Minister Helen McEntee.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Indian-origin Leo Varadkar on Wednesday (Mar 20) announced that he will step down as the prime minister of Ireland and the leader of the governing Fine Gael party.

Indian-origin Leo Varadkar on Wednesday (Mar 20) announced that he will step down as the prime minister of Ireland and the leader of the governing Fine Gael party. He cited "personal and political" reasons behind this surprise move as he spoke about his decision. While addressing the media, Varadkar said that leading the nation was the most "fulfilling time" of his life. "I am resigning as president and leader of Fine Gael effective today and will resign as the Taoiseach (prime minister) as soon as my successor is able to take up that office," Varadkar told reporters gathered outside government buildings in Dublin. Also read: Polish farmers intensify protests against 'executioner' EU Varadkar has served as the prime minister since December 2022, and previously from 2017 to 2020. In 2017, he became Ireland's youngest PM when he became Fine Gael leader. he was also the first gay PM. He is currently leading the coalition government, along with Fianna Fáil and the Green Party. However, his resignation as head of the three-party coalition won't trigger a general election. Varadkar said that he had asked for a new leader of the party to be elected ahead of Fine Gael's annual conference on April 6. After that, the parliament would vote on that person becoming prime minister. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Canada to halt arms sales to Israel; UK deputy PM calls for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza The 45-year-old said, "My reasons for stepping down are both personal and political." "But after careful consideration, and some soul searching, I believe that a new taoiseach and a new leader will be better placed than me to achieve that (the coalition government's re-election)," he said. He told about his plans to the coalition members at a regular weekly meeting on Tuesday and they were left stunned. Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said his party would work with whoever replaces Varadkar. "I've enjoyed being Taoiseach, leader and cabinet member since March 2011. I've learned so much about so many things that so many people who I'd never got to meet into places I would never seen at home and abroad. And I am deeply grateful for it," he said in his closing statement. As per reports, contenders to succeed Varadkar as Fine Gael leader include Higher Education Minister Simon Harris, who was health minister during the COVID-19 pandemic, Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney, a former deputy prime minister, Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe and Justice Minister Helen McEntee. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian-origin leader Leo Varadkar resigns as Ireland's prime minister in surprise move

President Joe Biden will express support for the Northern Ireland peace agreement in the face of Brexit-related tensions when he meets Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin for virtual Saint Patrick's Day celebrations Wednesday.

Biden and Martin have plenty of serious matters to discuss in their bilateral video talks, especially concerns for the future of the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland following Britain's chaotic exit from the European Union.

But Biden, only the second Roman Catholic president in US history and proud of his Irish ancestry, is also placing plenty of focus on the Saint Patrick's Day events.

The White House said Biden would attend morning Mass at a church in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware before making the trip back to Washington for his long-distance get-together.

As every year since 1952, the meeting will include presentation of shamrocks -- small sprigs of clover that symbolize Ireland. Despite Biden and Martin being unable to gather in person, the traditional bowl holding the gift is not being left out.

"The Irish government have sent a beautiful engraved bowl," a senior Biden administration told reporters, asking not to be identified. "We will be able to preserve this part of the bilateral meeting."

"We are determined to fully celebrate the holiday," the official said, noting that Biden had instructed staff to arrange things "as close to the way" they would be in person as possible.

The official said Biden will "reaffirm the historic partnership and the extraordinary people-to-people ties between our two countries."

- Peace agreement worries -

One thing Biden and the Irish leader are likely to focus on is coordination of efforts to get the global economy back on track through mass coronavirus vaccinations and a "sustainable" recovery, the administration official said.

The Irish prime minister will also hear Biden's support for the Good Friday Agreement that largely ended decades of violent unrest in the British province of Northern Ireland.

Biden wants to express "strong support for this agreement and our commitment to advancing that hard-won peace," the official said.

There is concern in Washington that a post- Brexit&nbsp;row between London and the European Union over customs controls on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republican of Ireland is threatening the complex political balance underpinning the deal.

"President Biden has been unequivocal in his support for the Good Friday Agreement . . . not (to) become a casualty of Brexit," the administration official said.

Biden "encourages both sides to continue prioritizing economic and political stability," the official said.

As for the border issue, "we view that as&nbsp;a trade issue to be resolved between the UK and the EU," the official said.

President Joe Biden will express support for the Northern Ireland peace agreement in the face of Brexit-related tensions when he meets Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin for virtual Saint Patrick's Day celebrations Wednesday.

President Joe Biden will express support for the Northern Ireland peace agreement in the face of Brexit-related tensions when he meets Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin for virtual Saint Patrick's Day celebrations Wednesday. Biden and Martin have plenty of serious matters to discuss in their bilateral video talks, especially concerns for the future of the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland following Britain's chaotic exit from the European Union. But Biden, only the second Roman Catholic president in US history and proud of his Irish ancestry, is also placing plenty of focus on the Saint Patrick's Day events. The White House said Biden would attend morning Mass at a church in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware before making the trip back to Washington for his long-distance get-together. As every year since 1952, the meeting will include presentation of shamrocks -- small sprigs of clover that symbolize Ireland. Despite Biden and Martin being unable to gather in person, the traditional bowl holding the gift is not being left out. "The Irish government have sent a beautiful engraved bowl," a senior Biden administration told reporters, asking not to be identified. "We will be able to preserve this part of the bilateral meeting." "We are determined to fully celebrate the holiday," the official said, noting that Biden had instructed staff to arrange things "as close to the way" they would be in person as possible. The official said Biden will "reaffirm the historic partnership and the extraordinary people-to-people ties between our two countries." - Peace agreement worries - One thing Biden and the Irish leader are likely to focus on is coordination of efforts to get the global economy back on track through mass coronavirus vaccinations and a "sustainable" recovery, the administration official said. The Irish prime minister will also hear Biden's support for the Good Friday Agreement that largely ended decades of violent unrest in the British province of Northern Ireland. Biden wants to express "strong support for this agreement and our commitment to advancing that hard-won peace," the official said. There is concern in Washington that a post- Brexit row between London and the European Union over customs controls on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republican of Ireland is threatening the complex political balance underpinning the deal. "President Biden has been unequivocal in his support for the Good Friday Agreement . . . not (to) become a casualty of Brexit," the administration official said. Biden "encourages both sides to continue prioritizing economic and political stability," the official said. As for the border issue, "we view that as a trade issue to be resolved between the UK and the EU," the official said.

Biden, Irish PM set for virtual Saint Patrick's Day talks

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar arrived in India on Sunday on a one-day private trip.&nbsp;

According to reports, Indian-origin Varadkar is in the country to meet his family. He visited his ancestral village in Malvan, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

Varadkar was born to Ashok and Miriam Varadkar in Dublin, Ireland in 1979. Ashok Varadkar moved to Ireland in the 1960s from Mumbai, Maharashtra to pursue his career as a doctor.&nbsp;

Varadkar took charge as Ireland's prime minister in the year 2017 and heads one of the prominent political parties of Ireland - Fine Gael.&nbsp;

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Irish PM Leo Varadkar is on an private visit to India to meet his family. Leo is Indian origin and his father Ashok Varadkar is from Maharashtra. <a href="https://t.co/gFkisFsqiK">pic.twitter.com/gFkisFsqiK</a>
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In 2015, Varadkar made headlines for coming out as gay - the first Irish prime minister and the only openly gay head&nbsp;of state in today's time.&nbsp;

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Varadkar is also the first and the only Indian-origin Taoiseach or prime minister of Ireland.&nbsp;

Before taking charge as the Irish Prime Minister, Varadkar had served as the Minister for Transport, Tourism, and Sport (2011-14) and as Minister of Health from 2014-16.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar arrived in India on Sunday on a one-day private trip. According to reports, Indian-origin Varadkar is in the country to meet his family.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar arrived in India on Sunday on a one-day private trip. According to reports, Indian-origin Varadkar is in the country to meet his family. He visited his ancestral village in Malvan, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra. Varadkar was born to Ashok and Miriam Varadkar in Dublin, Ireland in 1979. Ashok Varadkar moved to Ireland in the 1960s from Mumbai, Maharashtra to pursue his career as a doctor. Varadkar took charge as Ireland's prime minister in the year 2017 and heads one of the prominent political parties of Ireland - Fine Gael. Irish PM Leo Varadkar is on an private visit to India to meet his family. Leo is Indian origin and his father Ashok Varadkar is from Maharashtra. pic.twitter.com/gFkisFsqiK — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 29, 2019 × In 2015, Varadkar made headlines for coming out as gay - the first Irish prime minister and the only openly gay head of state in today's time. Maharashtra: Prime Minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar today visited his ancestral village in Malvan, Sindhudurg. pic.twitter.com/fhzcMakmVN — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2019 × Varadkar is also the first and the only Indian-origin Taoiseach or prime minister of Ireland. Before taking charge as the Irish Prime Minister, Varadkar had served as the Minister for Transport, Tourism, and Sport (2011-14) and as Minister of Health from 2014-16.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar visits family in India

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Saturday that he would campaign for a liberalisation of the country&#39;s restrictive abortion laws ahead of a referendum in the coming months, adding that his views on the issue had evolved.&nbsp;

Varadkar&#39;s government plans to hold the referendum as soon as May to loosen some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world. His Fine Gael party has agreed to let individual members campaign on either side of the debate.&nbsp;

While the country remains overwhelmingly Catholic - a complete ban on abortion was only lifted in 2013 - public opinion has become far more socially liberal in recent years.&nbsp;

Varadkar, a medical doctor by training, in 2014 described himself as pro-life, but also said that the rules in Ireland, where terminations are only allowed in cases where the mother&#39;s life is in danger, were too tight.&nbsp;

&quot;I believe Ireland&#39;s abortion laws are too restrictive and need to be liberalised,&quot; Varadkar said in an interview with BBC radio on Saturday. &quot;I&#39;ll be campaigning for them to be changed.&quot;

Asked about his previous position, Varadkar said that his views had evolved in recent years.&nbsp;

&quot;I think sometimes that pro-life and pro-choice can be misunderstood ... I think even people who are in favour of abortion in certain circumstances are pro-life,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

&quot;These terms pro-life and pro-choice don&#39;t really comprehend the complexity of this issue, which is a very private and personal one and one, I think, that contains a lot of grey areas.&quot;

Ireland has yet to decide the exact wording of the referendum. A cross-party parliamentary committee last month recommended that the state legislature to allow terminations with no restrictions up to 12 weeks into a pregnancy, a more liberal position than some had anticipated.

An opinion poll on Friday found that a majority of Irish voters would support a proposal to allow abortion up to 12 weeks into a pregnancy, but that many older voters opposed the change.

Varadkar's government plans to hold the referendum as soon as May to loosen some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Saturday that he would campaign for a liberalisation of the country's restrictive abortion laws ahead of a referendum in the coming months, adding that his views on the issue had evolved. Varadkar's government plans to hold the referendum as soon as May to loosen some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world. His Fine Gael party has agreed to let individual members campaign on either side of the debate. While the country remains overwhelmingly Catholic - a complete ban on abortion was only lifted in 2013 - public opinion has become far more socially liberal in recent years. Varadkar, a medical doctor by training, in 2014 described himself as pro-life, but also said that the rules in Ireland, where terminations are only allowed in cases where the mother's life is in danger, were too tight. "I believe Ireland's abortion laws are too restrictive and need to be liberalised," Varadkar said in an interview with BBC radio on Saturday. "I'll be campaigning for them to be changed." Asked about his previous position, Varadkar said that his views had evolved in recent years. "I think sometimes that pro-life and pro-choice can be misunderstood ... I think even people who are in favour of abortion in certain circumstances are pro-life," he said. "These terms pro-life and pro-choice don't really comprehend the complexity of this issue, which is a very private and personal one and one, I think, that contains a lot of grey areas." Ireland has yet to decide the exact wording of the referendum. A cross-party parliamentary committee last month recommended that the state legislature to allow terminations with no restrictions up to 12 weeks into a pregnancy, a more liberal position than some had anticipated. An opinion poll on Friday found that a majority of Irish voters would support a proposal to allow abortion up to 12 weeks into a pregnancy, but that many older voters opposed the change.

Irish Prime Minister says he will campaign for liberalisation of abortion laws

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Irish government plans to send asylum seekers back to UK under new laws

Indian-origin leader Leo Varadkar resigns as Ireland's prime minister in surprise move

Biden, Irish PM set for virtual Saint Patrick's Day talks

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar visits family in India

Irish Prime Minister says he will campaign for liberalisation of abortion laws