The Government has displayed incompetence and offered a “gift to the Tories” in its approach to migration and returns to Britain, the Sinn Féin leader has said.
Mary Lou McDonald told the Dáil that nobody competent was in charge.
She added that some people are seeking to sow division and hatred and that is why clarity is important.
Ms McDonald called for an immigration system based on common sense and human rights.
The Taoiseach responded by agreeing that Ireland was a welcoming country where there is no place for racism.
Simon Harris said there was a Common Travel Area between Ireland and Britain and an operational agreement in place around returning asylum seekers in both directions.
He said the legislative moves to restore the agreement is just one of several measures the Government is taking.
Others include freeing up 100 gardaí from administrative duties to work on issues such as deportations.
There is also a commitment to have quicker processing of asylum claims.
The Taoiseach said Ireland would not become a pawn in British politics.
