Your top stories on Wednesday: Ireland to return asylum seekers to UK under new law; Irish firm warns on EU ban on smoky flavourings for ham and crisps

Ireland will start returning asylum applicants who came here through Britain “within weeks” under plans agreed by the Government, although uncertainty remains over how effective the initiative will be in practice.

The Cabinet has agreed to change existing laws in order to allow the UK to be deemed a “safe third country” for returns, meaning asylum seekers who arrive across the Border could be considered inadmissible applicants.

Get the best content direct to your inbox by signing up to one of our newsletters