Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 September 2016
90. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will establish an Irish asylum application processing facility on the ground in Calais in order to fast-track applications by unaccompanied minors for resettlement here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27428/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ongoing migration crisis is a serious and extremely complex challenge facing the EU with numerous pressure points and it is important that there be a coherent and co-ordinated response. Persons who are currently in another EU Member State, including those in the camps in Calais, and who are in need of international protection, are entitled to make an application for asylum in that country, should they wish to do so. We also need to bear in mind that a defining characteristic of the people in Calais has been their very strong desire to go to the UK as their ultimate destination and that this is unlikely to change. In that respect I do not see that a unilateral initiative from Ireland would be appropriate in this case, not least given the fact that this is a delicate situation involving the borders between two other Member States.
In my response to a separate question from the Deputy today (Question No.59) Minister of State Stanton has outlined the Government's response to the migration and refugee crisis under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme which includes the position in relation to unaccompanied minors.
I share the concerns in relation to unaccompanied minors as an especially vulnerable group and expect this issue to remain high on the agenda at EU level.
