Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Like my colleague, Deputy Kyne, I acknowledge the work of the Italian Government and the Italian people in their efforts to deal with the front-end of this crisis. It is really disappointing that the European Union has not been able to address this issue satisfactorily.

Among the values set by the European Union is that it should provide leadership. I do not think it is appropriate for people to be overly concerned about UKIP or anybody else. Mr. Sutherland has identified the different places where that right-wing agenda is emerging. Some of the larger countries, as well as smaller countries like Ireland, will need to take a leadership role in addressing the concerns and bringing others with them and doing so on the basis of our shared values. This is a crisis on a large scale.

Mr. Sutherland suggested the introduction of a fair quota system with a base established in Egypt. From Mr. Sutherland's insight, how close or how far are we from reaching that kind of a solution? He has identified some of the log jams and some of the potential impediments that need to be overcome. What would be his advice to this committee, to our representatives who are dealing with this crisis or to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade? What more can we do? It is nice to have a conversation among ourselves and all agree that the situation is terrible. What can we do in our small way as a committee of the Irish Parliament to advance the case of providing some dignity for these people who are in a dreadful situation?