The bill will put in place a new EU framework to manage migration and asylum for the long-term and will ensure Ireland’s policy aligns with other EU countries. The bill will now be presented to the Houses of the Oireachtas and follow the standard parliamentary process over the coming months, with a view to enactment in the spring session, so that it can become operational as required by EU law by 12 June 2026.
The Minister and the Attorney General are developing provisions for inclusion in the bill to give effect to the proposals, approved by government on 26 November 2025, that adults who are beneficiaries of international protection will not be entitled to seek family reunification for a period of 3 years following their grant of international protection.
The minister proposes to bring forward amendments at the committee stage to address material reception conditions, restrictions of movement, detention, special reception needs and labour market access, as required by the EU Reception Conditions Directive.
Other matters to be dealt with by amendments to the bill during the legislative process include legal counselling, legal advice and legal aid, and data-sharing.
Among others, new provisions include:
- the introduction a new ‘border procedure’ with a three-month time limit for decisions, appeals, and return orders in certain cases
- the creation a new second instance body called the Tribunal for Asylum and Returns Appeals (TARA) and allow for fewer oral appeal hearings to make the process more efficient
- The stablishment of a new Chief Inspector of Asylum Border Procedures as independent rights monitor
- Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration | An Roinn Dlí agus Cirt, Gnóthaí Baile agus Imirce (13 January, 2026), [Minister Jim O’Callaghan publishes International Protection Bill 2026],