Mr. Sam Taylor:

On the basis on Dr. Kenny’s testimony this morning and MSF’s continued search and rescue in the Central Mediterranean, we wish to conclude by highlighting our key concerns and conclusions for the committee’s consideration. MSF is concerned about the humanitarian consequences of some elements of European Union-funded capacity-building initiatives in Libya to which Ireland is contributing, namely, that of the Libyan Coast Guard and conditions within centres. We suggest that a thorough assessment of the impact of such initiatives, both positive and negative, be conducted by the European Union.

MSF believes that European member states should be focusing on implementing a dedicated search and rescue operation in the central Mediterranean. We caution against any significant shift that would see the priority move away from a rescue operation to predominantly that of an anti-smuggling one, including Ireland’s naval response.

Finally, MSF calls once again for the urgent establishment of adequate, safe and legal alternatives to the dangerous sea crossings in to prevent more deaths at sea.