Micheál Martin
Ceist:134. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he contributed to the discussion at the June 2018 EU Council meeting regarding immigration. [29354/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 4 July 2018
Ceisteanna (134)
Freagraí scríofa
I attended the European Council in Brussels on 28 and 29 June. Our discussions covered Brexit; economic and monetary union; migration; security and defence; jobs, growth and competitiveness; digital and innovation; the Multiannual Financial Framework; external relations and other items. I will be reporting on the meeting to the House today, 4 July.
Migration has been a divisive issue for the EU and our discussions at the European Council were difficult and lengthy.
However we reached agreement on a number of new steps including the need to increase funding for the Africa Trust Fund; launch the next tranche of funding for the Facility for Refugees in Turkey; establish dedicated funding through the EU budget; strengthen the role of Frontex; explore the concept of regional disembarkation platforms; and the voluntary establishment of control centres within EU Member States.
This reinforces the importance of what I have described as our three-pronged approach: securing our external borders; strengthening cooperation with countries of transit and origin; and dealing with management of migrants within the EU - where a balance of solidarity and responsibility is needed.
From Ireland’s perspective, I stressed the need to develop a close partnership with Africa. We have to build up institutions, improve security and provide economic opportunity there so that people can enjoy better prospects in their home countries. Because of this, we offered last week to substantially increase our commitment to the EU Trust Fund for Africa to €15 million.
The concept of regional disembarkation platforms is at a very early stage and we will take careful note of how it develops. As I said at the meeting, any such platforms would have to be managed in close cooperation with the UNHCR, the IOM and relevant third countries, and with full respect for international law and human rights standards.
Ireland is less directly affected by migration than many other Member States: however, in a spirit of solidarity, we have played a constructive role including by opting into the 2015 EU relocation and resettlement measures; sending a series of naval vessels to help with humanitarian efforts in the Mediterranean; and significantly increasing our financial contributions.
In advance of the June European Council, we offered to take in migrants from aboard the MV Lifeline. I intend that we will continue to play an active and constructive role in relation to migration.