Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 April 2016
383. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the systems and structures put in place with regard to the European Union-Turkey migration deal to ensure that those who are seeking asylum have their applications assessed in a fair and legal manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7540/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe core intention of the EU-Turkey agreement which emerged from the March European Council is to break the business model of the people smugglers who are profiting from the suffering of the vulnerable. Critically, it should stop people getting into unsafe boats and risking their lives.
Migrants arriving in the Greek islands will be registered and any application for asylum will be processed individually by the Greek authorities in accordance with the Asylum Procedures Directive, in cooperation with the European Asylum Support Office (EASO).
Ireland is playing its part in ensuring that all asylum seekers receive a fair hearing and that their applications are processed in full accordance with international law. We have deployed two experts to the Greek island of Lesbos to support the EASO and we have nominated Liaison Officers to both Italy and Greece to support the work of the ‘hotspots’. In addition, my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality has agreed to send three international protection case work experts to the Greek Islands. Ireland will also be offering the services of two members of the Refugee Appeals’ Tribunal to support the establishment of Appeals Committees.
