I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 126 together.
The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration will be adopted at the UN Intergovernmental Conference which will take place in Marrakech, Morocco, on 10-11 December next.
The Compact, though non-binding and respectful of national sovereignty, provides a strong framework for global cooperation on migration in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Ireland is supportive of the Global Compact, and efforts to ensure that migration, when it does occur, is safe, orderly and better managed. The Compact represents common ground for cooperation between countries and regions which have very different perspectives on, and experiences, of migration.
Ireland was proud to co-facilitate, with Jordan, the New York Declaration in 2016 that led to the Global Compacts on both Migration and Refugees; we have played our part in achieving this multilateral effort to address an issue of common concern.
This is against a background where individual States cannot address challenges relating to migration alone. For example, cross-border efforts are essential if human smuggling and trafficking is to be reduced. Ireland is also supportive of efforts to address the root causes of forced displacement and irregular migration, including through our participation in the EU Trust Fund for Africa.
The Department of Justice and Equality take the lead role on the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration, and my Department is also engaged on the preparations for the UN Intergovernmental Conference in Marrakech. Ireland will be represented by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Charles Flanagan T.D.
Finally, the Global Compact will be adopted at the Conference by consensus (or a vote may be called, with a two thirds majority required) after which the Document will be presented to the UN General Assembly for final and formal adoption, probably later in December or in January 2019.