Paul Murphy
Question:114. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with European Union counterparts on the refugee crisis. [32398/15]
View answerWednesday, 23 September 2015
Questions (114)
Written answers
The plight of refugees fleeing conflict and upheaval in the EU’s southern and eastern neighbourhoods is of deep concern to us all, and one demanding a comprehensive and coordinated response from the EU. Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Ministers have primary responsibility for matters related to immigration\asylum and refugees, into and within the EU. In April this year, the Foreign Affairs’ Council and the Justice and Home Affairs Council met in joint session to discuss the situation facing migrants, particularly those trying to cross the Mediterranean. Ministers confirmed a strong commitment to act so as to prevent further tragedies. The June the Foreign Affairs Council followed up with the launch of EUNAVFOR Med, the EU’s naval operation to disrupt the dangerous activities of people smugglers in the Mediterranean, which have tragically resulted in the loss of many lives. As the Deputy will know, the crews of the L.E. Niamh and Eithne have done sterling work in saving many lives.
In recent weeks the focus has shifted to the deepening crisis in southeast Europe, and the Government recently decided accept up to 4,000 asylum seekers and refugees as part of the European Commission’s comprehensive plan to address the migration crisis. The Commission has set out a comprehensive set of proposals to address the crisis, from its root causes through to the immediate humanitarian needs. JHA Ministers met again on 22 September and there is a Special Meeting of the European Council today (23 September) to advance the EU’s response to this complex and demanding set of issues.