No more pandering to the liberal left-it’s time to protect the state from a migration juggernaut

Independent Ireland Chair Ken O'Flynn TD is calling for urgent alignment with UK migration reforms that will aim to avoid an imminent threat to the cohesion of the social order here and help to restore Ireland’s crippled reputation as an international laughing stock among economic migrants determined to exploit weaknesses within the states asylum system.

The party spokesperson on justice says that although the Irish Government has been “bounced into reaction rather than self-determined action, this does not mean that we should lose the political momentum to take whatever steps are necessary and proportionate to severely reduce the flow of migrants entering the state through the northern counties in particular.”  

The statement comes as the Government in London has now moved to a strict “earned settlement” model, including longer residence routes, tighter dependants’ rules, higher salary and English-language requirements, and fast deportations for unsuccessful claimants. These reforms are designed to reduce pressure on the UK’s housing, public services, and the labour market.

The TD for Cork North-Central continued “Independent Ireland believes the State has a responsibility to manage migration in a way that is fair, lawful, and sustainable. That means compassion where it is justified, firm enforcement where necessary, and rules that reflect the real capacity of our housing, hospitals, and schools. It is now completely untenable for Government to bow, scrape and pander to the liberal left who are open borders advocates in all but name, despite their attempts to suggest the want a rules-based order. For every tightening of the rules, they want a litany of opt-out clauses. We will never address the scale of the problem if we continue to adopt that approach.”

According to the party, Ireland now needs a plan built on five pillars:

1. An earned settlement system aligned with CTA partners

Settlement should be based on contribution, integration, and continuous residence. Routes must be clear, consistent, and comparable to the UK so that pressure is not diverted to this jurisdiction.

2. Stronger rules on dependants and family reunification

Family reunification should be limited to immediate family only, with clear income and accommodation requirements that reflect the realities of the Irish housing market.

3. A rapid asylum decision model with firm enforcement

Applications need fast, fair decisions within defined timelines. When a claim is refused, outcomes must be acted on. Last year, only a small fraction of deportation orders resulted in actual removals. That is not a functioning system.
 
4. English-language and salary thresholds for work-based migration

Ireland should introduce B2 English standards and wage floors that reflect local labour needs, safeguard vulnerable workers, and prevent exploitation. 

5. Population-capacity planning

Migration rules must be linked to housing availability, GP access, school places, and local infrastructure. Ireland cannot continue operating a high-intake system during a housing emergency without any connection between numbers and capacity.

Independent Ireland supports genuine refugees, welcomes those who contribute positively to our economy and society, and respects the international obligations we hold. But we must also protect the integrity of the immigration system, ensure fairness for communities under pressure, and maintain public trust.

Ireland needs a balanced, responsible approach — one that respects humanitarian principles but recognises the limits of a small country facing the sharpest housing shortage in the EU.

Independent Ireland will continue to press the Government to act, to reform, and to restore order.