Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 April 2017
392. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the EU is planning new arrangements with third countries on migration and refugees; the steps that are taken before such arrangements are agreed, to ensure that the rights of refugees are upheld; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16239/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU has responded to the migration crisis by adopting a suite of measures, including engaging with countries of origin and transit to address the root causes of migration. Draft 'Migration Compacts' have been drawn up for the first five priority countries identified under the Migration Partnership Framework: Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Senegal and Ethiopia.
The objective of these Migration Compacts is to improve cooperation on readmission and return of those not entitled to reside in the EU; to prevent irregular migration and counter smuggling and trafficking in human beings; to reinforce the current international protection system for refugees in the partner countries; and, crucially, to address the root causes of irregular migration. Ireland has consistently been clear in all discussions on the EU’s response to the migration crisis that addressing the root causes is essential.
Engagement with the five priority countries continues to develop, and the third progress report – showing tangible progress - was presented by the European Commission to the European Parliament, European Council and the Foreign Affairs Council in March 2017.
Ireland supports Migration Compacts as a key instrument to stem irregular migration and prevent human trafficking and we will continue to engage positively in the process. We are working particularly closely with Ethiopia, one of the five priority countries identified, and one of Irish Aid’s key partner countries.
Human rights and humanitarian values are at the core of the EU and Member States' approach under the Partnership Framework. The EU and its Member States are committed to enhancing human rights safeguards in all negotiations on migration and mobility and to ensuring cooperation frameworks with third countries are built on these principles.
