Migrants are rescued and brought ashore in Dungeness, southeast England, as the steamboat carrying them crosses the English Channel to the UK. File photo: AFP/VNA

Prime Minister Simon Harris has asked Justice Minister Helen McEntee to present to cabinet next week proposals to amend the existing laws regarding the designation of safe ‘third countries’ and allowing asylum seekers to be sent back to the UK as their applications for international protection are refused by Ireland.         

The Irish government's move comes just a few days after Deputy Prime Minister Michael Martin said Britain's Rwanda policy is impacting Ireland because migrants fear being sent to Rwanda if they stay in the UK.

The Rwanda bill aims to stop migrants crossing the English Channel to Britain by allowing asylum seekers to be sent to the Central African country.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said flights carrying asylum seekers to Rwanda could take off within the next 10-12 weeks.