The Government’s position of opting into every aspect of the EU’s Migration and Asylum Pact is a "mistake,” the leader of Sinn Féin has said. 

The EU has said the pact will speed up decision-making around asylum applications, introduce enhanced security checks, and develop a common database for member states.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee is advocating for Government to sign up for the pact, which is being considered by Cabinet today.

'Common sense'

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald told Newstalk that decisions about migration and immigration should be up to the Irish Government.

“There are some areas where cooperation just makes common sense," she said.

“Other areas that go directly to social policy and your view of foreign affairs should rightly reside with the Government in Dublin.

“I think the Government, in advocating an opt-in position on all of these, is again making another mistake and a mistake that will have long-standing consequences for the country.”

There are currently over 1,200 International Protection applicants without accommodation in the State.

Main image: Mary Lou McDonald, Sinn Féin leader. Image: Photograph: Sam Boal / © RollingNews.ie