Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As everybody probably knows, today there are EU proposals in respect of migration generally to be announced. I understand there are two strands, with one dealing with migrants generally. One recommendation relates to the presentations and requests for action in that it is that the EU would respond to the immediate emergency in Syria and Iraq. Many of the people fleeing almost ipso factomeet the UN definition of a refugee; they are fleeing because they are being persecuted. Europe will have to face this and Ireland as a responsible member of the European community will also have to face its responsibilities. These are genuine refugees, no matter what our response may be to the more general and ongoing problem of migration. These are clearly people who are being persecuted and I hope we will be able to respond positively.