Minister Jim O'Callaghan attends EU council meeting to discuss the return of third-country nationals, internal security of the Union, and better supports for Member States responding to emergencies
- Published on: 14 October 2025
- Last updated on: 22 October 2025
- progress made towards agreeing a common European returns system to ensure the swift return of third-country nationals staying unlawfully in the EU
- focus on strengthening cooperation between Member States to investigate and prosecute serious and organised cross-border crime
- examination of ways in which the European Union can better coordinate support for Member States responding to natural and human induced emergencies
- discussion on how to ensure free and open debate while at the same time protecting those involved in politics from threats and violence
Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, met with his European counterparts over two days (Monday and Tuesday) this week. A range of issues were discussed including the development of a common European return system for migrants staying in the EU unlawfully, and how the European Union can better coordinate support for Member States responding to natural and human induced emergencies.
When meeting with the Ministers for Home Affairs and Migration, Minister O’Callaghan reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to working with them to achieve a common and effective European system for returning those who have no legal permission to be in the European Union to their home countries.
Addressing his counterparts, the Minister said:
"Ireland is committed to the establishment of a common EU return system that is effective, fair and functional. We see value in agreeing a measure that sends a strong signal to third country nationals that a return decision cannot be evaded and will be enforced. We will continue to engage with our EU partners to finalise a robust mechanism to achieve this."
Ministers also discussed how the European Union can guard against the conflict in Gaza impacting on the EU’s internal security, particularly in the context of fuelling societal divisions. Speaking on this topic, Minister O’Callaghan noted that while Ireland is not currently experiencing the level of societal division or polarisation in relation to the situation in the Middle East that some Member States are, we are not immune to such threats. In contributing to the discussion, Minister O’Callaghan said:
"While our security services keep the security situation under constant review and take appropriate measures, Ireland shares the concerns of others about the rise both within the EU and globally of all forms of racism, including both antisemitism and Islamophobia. Ireland is committed to countering racism and to promoting the values of equality, inclusiveness and the full respect of human rights for all."
Ministers for Home Affairs also discussed how, collectively, Member States could be better supported to prevent, prepare for and respond to all emergencies and risks, regardless of their origin. Recognising how the world has changed since the introduction of the first piece of European legislation to facilitate greater cooperation in civil preparedness in 2013, Minister O’Callaghan said:
"Last year we benefited from the European Union’s Civil Preparedness Mechanism when both equipment and personnel were sent to us from other Member States in the aftermath of storm Éowyn. Over time, we are seeing an increased threat from climate-related emergencies as well as a very challenging geopolitical context. It is therefore timely that we ask what more we need to do to ensure we are resilient and collectively prepared to respond to the range of risks we face."
Ministers for Justice discussed how to strengthen Eurojust, the European Criminal Justice Agency that facilitates cooperation between Member States in the investigation and prosecution of serious cross border crime. Expressing support for the important role Eurojust plays in helping Member States to combat serious cross-border crime, Minister O’Callaghan said:
"Irish prosecutors and Gardaí have successfully handled many cross-border cases with Eurojust’s expert assistance. As a dedicated and proactive member of Eurojust, Ireland welcomes a focus on how to equip Eurojust with the resources and tools it needs to continue to support Member States effectively fight the increasing level of cross-border crime."
Justice Ministers also discussed how to protect open political debate, while at the same time ensuring that politicians are not exposed to threats and violence. Speaking of the need to protect the safety of all those involved in politics, Minister O’Callaghan emphasised the important balance between protecting the democratic right to publicly criticise political leadership, with the need to prevent politicians from being subjected to abuse, intimidation and violence.
"In a democracy, those involved in politics should both represent and reflect the people who vote for them. While the vast majority of interactions those of us in political life experience are fair, friendly and productive, we have seen politicians targeted in a way that is not about holding them to account or criticising their work, but is personal, targeted and intended to frighten and intimidate. Protecting everyone from such abuse is integral to protecting democracy, fostering debate and ensuring that our politics reflects the diversity of our people."
Over the two days of meetings Ministers also discussed effective access to data for law enforcement purposes, the protection of fundamental rights and the rule of law, and the simplification of the EUs regulatory framework.