Phil Hogan
Question:36 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Justice her views on a common European immigration policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Common European Immigration Policy.
With regard to immigration policy generally within the European Community, Ministers for Justice and the Interior of member states of the Community, meeting in the Hague in December 1991, agreed on a work programme for discussing, and where appropriate, harmonising policies in the areas of immigration and asylum. That work programme was noted by the Maastricht European Council which considered that it constituted an adequate basis for measures to be taken in those areas. In addition, the Treaty on European Union provides for co-operation between member states for the purposes of achieving the objectives of the union, including co-operation in the areas of immigration and asylum policy.