Ireland Faces Schengen Challenges as New EU Migration Pact Looms

Ireland's Schengen Access Limitations Ahead of EU Migration Reforms

As Ireland prepares to implement the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum by June 2026, a government report has revealed significant challenges regarding the country's limited access to Schengen security databases. The new system aims to streamline asylum processes across all 27 EU member states while strengthening external border controls.

Key Concerns for Ireland's Immigration System

The report highlights several critical issues:

• No access to Schengen's Entry/Exit System (EES), ETIAS, or Visa Information System
• Restricted use of the European search portal for identity verification
• Potential difficulties meeting the pact's robust screening requirements

Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan has made immigration system effectiveness a priority, with the Department of Justice confirming plans for national legislation to align with EU provisions.

EuroDac as Ireland's Primary Tool

While excluded from Schengen IT systems, Ireland will participate in the upgraded EuroDac fingerprint database for asylum seekers launching in June 2025. This system will store:

• Biometric data (fingerprints and photographs)
• Official documents
• First application location details to prevent secondary movement

The government plans to conduct comprehensive screenings for irregular entrants, including identity, health, and security checks alongside fingerprint collection.

Current Migration Pressures

Ireland faces growing asylum demands, with 2024 seeing:

• 18,560 protection applications (40% increase from 2023)
• Majority applicants from Jordan, Nigeria, Somalia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh
• 113,332 temporary protections granted to Ukrainians (2022-January 2025)

The government is acquiring 14,000 state-owned beds to support pact requirements while aiming for long-term cost savings through these facilities.