Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Shotter. I am really happy we are having this conversation because this is one of the most important policy changes at an EU level that there has been for some time and it will have an impact on all member states. It is one of those controversial issues that, domestically, can be difficult to deal with. I do not know whether this is to ease the concerns of member states but much of the commentary and the media around this seems to have a strong focus on a robust returns system. I do not know whether that is to let member states know that this will limit, more so than now, the numbers of people coming into the European Union but I am not sure that is the correct message to send out. I agree that migration, diversity and people coming in are good for member states and we should champion and welcome that diversity.

The proposal states that there will be a common approach to governance. Does Mr. Shotter envisage new laws being proposed or new directives issued on that front to try to streamline how member states adopt this pact?

As for how member states deal with this, there is again a focus on flexibility, which is the bedrock of the European Union and of how we do things by consensus. In that vein, however, there is a focus on member states not having to agree to relocate persons but instead being able to provide financial and administrative support, along with a returns mechanism. That seems to benefit, to a certain extent, the wealthier member states. Furthermore, if a government is trying to have a fair migration policy and wants to help to relocate people, it gives domestic opposition, which might be against that, a stick to beat it with because it can say the government should just pay the money instead, provide administrative support and focus on the returns. If the focus and objective is to ease the burden on the small number of member states that have been most affected by the migration crisis, that is, those at the front line in this regard, will the fact that there is an easy out for other member states not to relocate people and simply provide money instead make the big difference it has been suggested it will make?

How does Mr. Shotter think the pact has been received by member states? Has the reaction been positive or tepid? What has their feedback suggested about how they have adopted it or whether they have embraced it wholeheartedly?