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European Council Meetings

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 September 2020

Tuesday, 15 September 2020

Ceisteanna (374)

Joe O'Brien

Ceist:

374. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to assist refugees affected by the fire in the Moria refugee camp on Lesbos, Greece; and if he will raise the issue at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 21 September 2020. [23991/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am deeply saddened by the fire at the Moria camp on Lesbos and the impact this has had on the refugees and migrants based at the camp. It is a relief that there are no reported deaths or injuries, but the very sudden displacement of thousands of people has caused great suffering and created a major humanitarian emergency as well as posing a huge logistical challenge for the Greek authorities in the midst of the COVID pandemic.

My colleague, the Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, spoke with his Greek counterpart on 9 September immediately after the fire to offer Ireland's full solidarity and support. The Greek authorities have now requested assistance from EU Partners in dealing with the immediate humanitarian needs arising. My Department is actively looking at this request and identifying what immediate assistance we can provide to the Greek authorities from our humanitarian logistics base at Brindisi.

In regard to raising the issue at the Foreign Affairs Council, I understand that Greece will take the opportunity at raise this issue at the relevant upcoming Councils.

As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have repeatedly urged the need for greater solidarity and burden-sharing among Member States in dealing with the wider issue of migration. We in Ireland are endeavouring to do our part, having already received 1022 asylum seekers (including six unaccompanied minors) from Greece under the first phase of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme. We have also committed to accept 36 unaccompanied minors in need of international protection in Greece, and I was pleased that the first group of eight such minors arrived in Ireland last June. We stand ready to consider any further requests that may be made to us, in the context of dealing with the very difficult situation now arising following the destruction of Moria refugee camp.

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