Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 July 2016
143. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied with the implementation of the European Union-Turkey deal on immigration; if the humanitarian issues arising from this agreement should be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21780/16]
View answerThe core intention of the agreement between Turkey and EU Heads of State and Government which emerged from the March European Council was to break the business model of the people smugglers who are profiting from the suffering of the vulnerable. In particular, it aimed to discourage the victims of people smugglers from risking their lives crossing the Aegean Sea. The very significant decline in the number of people attempting to cross the Aegean Sea from Turkey to the Greek Islands since this agreement entered into force, suggests that it is achieving its aims.
A critical element of EU engagement with Turkey is to assist in alleviating the suffering of those most affected by the migration crisis: those who have had to flee their homes. The EU Facility for Refugees in Turkey with its €3 billion budget is intended to ensure that the needs of refugees and host communities are addressed in a comprehensive and coordinated manner. This Facility aims to support Syrians and other refugees by providing access to food, shelter, education, and healthcare. The activities to be financed under the Facility are aimed at meeting immediate humanitarian needs, as well as long term sustainable improvements in the health, education and self-reliance of those forced to flee their homes. The monies allocated to Turkey will be ring-fenced so that finances are channelled to measures to support the refugee crisis, including to enhance basic health services, access to clean water, housing and education.
The implementation of the EU Facility for Turkey is guided by a strategic framework, agreed at the meeting of its Steering Committee on 12 May. This framework is clear that any measures which may be funded through the Facility to support the Turkish authorities in the field of migration management, and combatting irregular migration, are primarily with a view to avoiding the terrible humanitarian tragedies which we have witnessed, notably in the Aegean Sea. Ireland, as a member of the Steering Committee, will work to ensure that the Facility is used in a way which is fully compatible with this strategic framework and which respects the human rights of all concerned.
