Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 February 2017
27. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the proposed EU-Libya migration deal; his further views on the conditions in Libya and its ability to provide a secure and safe haven for refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8697/17]
View answerAs the Minister will know, I have been very critical of the EU-Turkey arrangement and the move towards further third party arrangements between the EU and other countries. With that in mind, I ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the proposed EU-Libya migration deal. Does he have concerns about Libya's ability to provide a secure and safe haven for refugees?
Will the Minister tell us if our Government supports this further third-country arrangement with Libya, which has been described by human rights bodies as being in the midst of a human rights crisis?
Since mid-2015, the EU has responded to the migration crisis by adopting a range of measures, including engaging with countries of origin and transit to address the root causes of migration. The focus in recent months has been migration on the central Mediterranean route, with Libya representing the main country of departure.
Most recently, this was the subject of discussions at an informal European Council held in Malta on 3 February 2016 and at the Foreign Affairs Council on 6 February, where comprehensive conclusions were adopted. At the informal European Council meeting, a declaration was issued outlining the European Union’s commitment to assist Libya, including through capacity building. The declaration indicates that priority will be given to supporting the Libyan national coast guard; enhancing operational action on the route; supporting the development of local communities in Libya; ensuring adequate reception capacity and conditions for migrants; supporting the International Organization for Migration, IOM, in stepping up assisted voluntary return activities; and enhancing information campaigns and outreach addressed at migrants in Libya and other countries of origin and transit. Priority will also be given to reducing pressure on Libya’s land border, including through enhanced border management capacity; monitoring of alternative routes and possible diversion of smugglers’ activities; supporting initiatives by member states directly engaged with Libya; and deepening dialogue and co-operation with neighbouring countries.
At the Foreign Affairs Council on 6 February 2017, the EU committed to doing its utmost to assist the stabilisation process in Libya. We reaffirmed the commitment on the part of the European Union to an inclusive political settlement under the framework of the Libyan political agreement and we reaffirmed the support of the European Union to the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, UNSMIL, and to the UN Special Representative of the Secretary General, Mr. Martin Kobler. The EU is currently implementing a co-operation package worth €120 million, focused on civil society, governance, health, youth, education, migration, security and mediation. The EU has also increased its humanitarian aid worth €10.8 million in 2016.
Is there a proposed EU-Libya migration deal on the table? Are the measures that have been announced by way of the Malta declaration simply measures of stemming the tide or are they real measures of assistance? Médecins sans Frontières has stated:
With their "Malta Declaration" on the Central Mediterranean, the European Council is delusional about just how dangerous the situation in Libya really is ... This declaration is yet more evidence that the EU leaders' only aim is "stemming the flow".
Are we moving towards an arrangement that is a carbon copy of the EU-Turkey arrangement? We are not talking about forcibly sending refugees back in boats to Tripoli and Libya and housing them in camps in Libya. I take it we are not agreeing with that. Once I have clarification on that, it is fine. I have said before that our Government should not be supporting third-country arrangements. At the very least, we should be debating such arrangements in full in the Dáil before assent is given in respect of them.
