Vol. 473 No. 1
279 Mr. Davern asked the Minister for Justice the progress, if any, made during Ireland's Presidency of the EU to formulate a union policy on immigration, particularly relating to immigration from former colonies of EU member states. [24599/96]
The Treaty on European Union brought within the single framework of the treaty aspects of foreign and security policy and of justice and home affairs which are concerned with migration and migration management policies. It is recognised by all member states that the development of a comprehensive approach to migration pressures requires a combination of policies in related areas. It requires also co-ordination in traditional areas of activity including in social policy and in trade, co-operation and development instruments.
In so far as the justice and home affairs area is concerned, Title VI of the treaty sets out the obligations which member states have assumed to co-operate in a number of areas identified as being of "common interest", including immigration policy. It also sets out the rules and procedures for co-operation and establishes the respective roles of the member states, the Commission and the European Parliament. It allows, where immigration is concerned, for all member states and the Commission to come forward with initiatives, for the European Parliament to be informed and consulted and for instruments of co-operation to be adopted.
Against this background, the primary objective of the Irish Presidency in the area of immigration policy in Title VI was to maintain continuity with the work initiated by past Presidencies, having regard to priorities identified by the Council. A particular emphasis was put on examining whether the potential offered by the Treaty on European Union for practical co-operation is being exploited to the full.
