Fine Gael Faces Criticism Following Recent EU Migration Decisions

Thursday, 4 June 2026 at 16:50

By Daniel Maher

It follows recent endorsement of an EU decision to deport illegal immigrants to "return hubs"

Fine Gael is being accused of hypocrisy when it comes to it's stance on migration.

The party's MEPs recently endorsed an EU decision to allow for people who are illegally in the territory to be deported to "return hubs" outside the bloc, which can see them detained for up to two years or be deported outside of Europe.

Further migration law reforms are expected next week when the EU Migration and Asylum Pact takes effect., as Justice Minister Jim O' Callaghan meets with other EU ministers for discussions today.

Labour MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, has accused Fine Gael of deflecting responsibility for the issues in the country, adding that the partyhas a very different approach when it comes to undocumented Irish citizens in the US:

Meanwhile, Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty says over half of Irish people think migration is one of the most pressing issues in society, and that changes are designed to restore trust in the union.

More from National News

Normal People Actors Among Signatures On Letter To UK Government Supporting Sally Rooney

Her books were withdrawn from shelves due to her support for banned Group, Palestine Action.
Kildare Saw Significant Increases In Road Deaths This Year

Kildare recorded nine deaths this year compared to two last year.
According To New Figures Over 70,000 People Leave ED's Before Finishing Treatment

The Data was released to Social Democrats TD Padraig Rice.
DART Plus Projects Expected to Progress by End of November

Audio

Irish Rail confirms plans to expand rail services on the Maynooth and M3 Parkway routes are awaiting business case approval, with DART Plus South West also expected to advance.
63 Derelict Sites on Kildare Register as Government Moves to Strengthen 7% Tax Enforcement

Audio

Athy and Kildare–Newbridge account for more than half of the county's registered derelict sites, while over 230 vacant and derelict homes have been brought back into use through a Government grant scheme.
Investigation Underway As Bodies Of Two People Found In Bray Property

A man in his 30s and a woman in her 40s were discovered shortly after 8 o'clock this morning
Kildare Under Status Yellow Rainfall Warning From Tomorrow

Met Éireann is warning of difficult travelling conditions and localised flooding with the arrival of Storm Austen
Vote To Get Rid Of Triple Lock To Take Place In Dáil Today

There is likely to be heated scenes in Leinster House, with opposition TDs strongly criticising the move and yesterday holding up signs in the Chamber saying "save neutrality"