The opposition have accused the Government of seeking to rush through new laws to reform Ireland’s asylum process, as TDs hit out at a prolonged Dáil debate. The International Protection Bill is a major reform to Ireland’s asylum laws, seeking to align State policy with that of the EU migration and asylum pact. Sinn Féin justice spokesperson Matt Carthy accused Mr O’Callaghan of rushing through the draft laws. Mr O'Callaghan rejected assertions that the laws were being rushed through the Oireachtas, citing “careful consideration” of the general scheme in pre-legislative scrutiny. Mr O’Callaghan said there would be discussion on all 267 amendments.

Source: Irish Examiner February 18, 2026 23:40 UTC