Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
664. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if Britain will continue to be designated as a safe third country following the enactment of the International Protection Bill 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16669/26]
View answerSection 220 of the International Protection Bill allows the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to designate a country as a safe third country following an assessment of relevant information and subject to the criteria set out in the section regarding the protection of rights in the safe third country.
Subject to that assessment and consideration of the statutory criteria, It is my intention to make an order designating the UK as a safe third country under section 220 once the Bill is enacted. That designation will apply to international protection applications made once the International Protection Act 2026 becomes operational on 12 June.
The designation of the UK as a safe third country under the 2015 Act will continue to apply to applications made under that Act before 12 June.
