Research

Research Briefs

In-depth briefing papers on Irish immigration policy, EU migration law, enforcement data, and comparative international approaches. Each brief is sourced from primary government data, official EU publications, and named primary reporting.

EU Law May 2026

Research Brief: Protocol 21 and Ireland’s EU Migration Pact Opt-In

An analysis of Ireland's decision to waive its 25-year treaty opt-out from EU migration law, the Denmark comparison, and the democratic and fiscal consequences of full participation in the EU Migration and Asylum Pact.

  • Coverage: Protocol 21, EU Migration Pact, Common European Asylum System
  • Sources: EU Council records, Oireachtas debates, Department of Justice briefings
  • Length: Full brief (~4,000 words)
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Forthcoming briefs

Research briefs in preparation. Subscribe to the weekly briefing to be notified on publication.

  • The Safe Third Country Doctrine: How it works in German, French, and UK law, and why Ireland has not operationalised it
  • Bilateral Return Agreements: A map of Ireland's existing readmission agreements and the enforcement gaps they leave
  • IPAS Cost Architecture: Where the €1.1 billion per year goes — contractor breakdown, accommodation categories, and what drives the unit cost
  • Frontex and Ireland: Ireland’s participation in EU border agency operations and joint return flights
  • The Denmark Model: How Denmark reduced net migration to near-zero while remaining in the EU — and what Irish law would need to change to attempt the same