Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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Yes, we are choosing to cede it. That is an important point. I am not saying it is good or bad, but I am saying it is the situation.

The Minister keeps telling us that this is positive for Ireland and it will be reduce secondary movements. I am happy to accept that, but it will not reduce asylum seekers or asylum beneficiaries. Those numbers will probably increase, so the overall burden on the EU will not be diminished. Just because it reduces secondary movement, that does not mean it will reduce in any way the obligations we will have under the solidarity mechanism. While I see 648 is the number, there is no way the number will remain at that level. That is looking at 30,000 reallocations. Those numbers are so small I cannot believe it. Why did they come up with those numbers?