Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2016
262. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will work with lawyers from the Immigrant Council of Ireland on the ground in refugee camps in France to identify vulnerable migrants, including lone children who may have legal grounds for entry here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5300/16]
View answerI understand that this Immigrant Council of Ireland initiative is a preliminary mission to assess the need for lawyers to represent persons in refugee camps on the North Coast of France, which the Council is undertaking in its capacity as an independent Law Centre.
Ireland has always lived up to its international humanitarian obligations and is fully committed to playing its part in addressing the current migrant and refugee crisis facing Europe. This humanitarian crisis requires a co-ordinated EU response and Ireland has been working closely and collaboratively with our European partners to find sustainable solutions. In this regard the Deputy will be aware that we have given a clear commitment to accept up to 4,000 persons overall under the EU Resettlement and Relocation Programmes. Any person who considers they are legally entitled to enter the State can make application for a visa. Full details are available on the INIS website. As the Deputy will be aware, persons who are in need of international protection and who are currently residing in France are entitled to make an application for asylum in that country, should they wish to do so.
