Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2015
517. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 169 of 30 April 2015, the measures he is in favour of in the Common Security and Defence Policy approach to the humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean; the measures he is opposed to; and if there will be any involvement from any Irish law enforcement agencies. [18174/15]
View answerIreland is actively participating in ongoing discussions at EU level on various strands of the EU’s comprehensive strategy regarding the humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean. Our primary concern in these deliberations is to prevent further loss of life at sea.The European Council on 23 April did not make a specific commitment to Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) actions but asked High Representative Mogherini to prepare proposals for a possible EU CSDP Mission. She is also examining ways of providing increased support to Southern partner countries to monitor and control land borders, building on current civilian CSDP operations in the region. These proposals have not yet been finalised. Ireland is stressing the need for vessels which may be assigned to any future possible CSDP operation to be ready and equipped to perform Search and Rescue tasks as necessary.
