The threat of deportation to Rwanda from the UK is impacting on people's decision to come to Ireland, the Tánaiste has said.
Micheál Martin told Newstalk the Rwanda policy was already affecting Ireland as people were "fearful" of staying in the UK.
Britain's Rwanda Bill, which will see asylum seekers "entering the UK illegally" sent to the central African nation - regardless of the outcome of their application - was passed on Tuesday despite human rights concerns.
The Tánaiste told Chief Reporter Barry Whyte the issue is not a new one.
"I believe the [Rwanda Bill] effect is impacting on Ireland," he said.
"I think that didn't happen today or yesterday, I think that's been growing since the first iteration or publication of that strategy.
"I don't believe anyone has gone to Rwanda [from the UK] yet, but to me it's reflective of a policy that's more about the rhetoric and the politics than about having any real impact.
"But it's having a real impact on Ireland now in terms of maybe people being fearful in the UK - maybe that's that the impact it was designed to have".
Mr Martin said asylum seekers were seeking "to cross the border to get sanctuary here within the European Union as opposed to the potential of being deported to Rwanda".
He added that rhetoric around 'taking back control' of migration as a result of the UK's exit from the European Union "hasn't happened".
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaks during a press conference on the Rwanda Bill in Downing Street, London, 18-1-24. Image: PA Images / AlamyOn Newstalk Breakfast earlier, Justice Minister Helen McEntee echoed Mr Martin's comments.
"I think it is probably having an impact on the numbers coming," she said.
"The significant number of people that are coming from the UK that wasn't the case in years gone by.
"We potentially will have people coming from somewhere else in a year or two so this is the challenge that we face now.
"What we need to make sure, and what I'm trying to do, is to upgrade the system that we have so that the people who do come here... that they're processed quickly, they're turned around quickly.
"Those who are given a negative decision or a positive decision more quickly it is much easier to manage".
Minister McEntee said Ireland is "working with the UK" while acknowledging that Ireland has "a separate arrangement" with the UK than with EU member states.
