Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 June 2017
95. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at the recent Foreign Affairs Council; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29348/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was representing the Government at the talks in Belfast on Monday 19 June so Ireland was represented at the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) by our Permanent Representative to the EU Mr. Declan Kelleher. Agenda items at the FAC included the EU Global Strategy, EU-NATO cooperation, counter-terrorism, the external aspects of migration and Iraq. Over a working lunch Ministers discussed recent developments in the Gulf region.
The Council took stock of progress in implementing the various strands of the EU Global Strategy ahead of a one year progress report by the High Representative to the European Council on 22-23 June. It is expected that discussion on the Global Strategy will continue at the FAC in the coming months, including identifying future priorities for implementation. The Council adopted conclusions on maritime security.
The FAC also took stock of progress on EU-NATO cooperation following the Joint EU-NATO declaration last year, and adopted Conclusions in this area. EU-NATO cooperation is essentially focussed on security. As the Conclusions re-affirmed, it is conducted with full respect for the decision-making autonomy of the two organisations and for the specific national security and defence policies of Member States.
The FAC also had a discussion on counter-terrorism, and adopted Conclusions which updated the Council Conclusions of February 2015 in light of new and emerging challenges in this area.
Ministers then had a discussion on the external aspects of migration, in light of the Partnership Framework on migration which aims to improve cooperation between the EU and third counties on addressing the crises.
Ireland was one of the Member States at the Council expressing deep concern at conditions of migrants in detention camps in Libya. Ireland also emphasised the importance of addressing the root causes and humanitarian aspects of the migration crisis.
Ministers also adopted conclusions on Iraq, which task the High Representative and the European Commission with presenting an EU strategy for engagement with the country in the period ahead.
