Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I would merely make the point that I am old enough to remember that refugees came to this country from the conflict in the North of Ireland. At that time, it was the largest movement of population since the Second World War. Thankfully, we have moved away from conflict in the context of the North. We have a responsibility to adopt positions that do not contribute to conflict but that are instead designed to try to assist in resolving conflicts around the globe. That is what is important. I asked a question on the direct correlation between those contributing to conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, and refugees.

Europe cannot create the problem and then step back when, as a result, people are fleeing to Europe to seek refuge or safety. Therefore, there is a responsibility on those countries that contribute directly to the conflict in the region. They have a greater responsibility than many of the countries that do not contribute to it.