Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

As already stated, the EU has brought forward a Green Paper. The latter does not relate to a common asylum system because discovering a resolution to this problem does not rest on any one issue. The EU is leading the world in the context of the delivery of aid to Africa in particular. Despite some reservations we might have regarding the attendance of President Mugabe at the proposed EU-Africa summit, that is one of the reasons we are in favour of engaging with Africa. As far as I am concerned, it is better to hold a meeting at which we can discuss the entire range of issues — including those relating to economics and climate change — which affect people in sub-Saharan Africa in particular.

The type of overseas development aid we deliver to Africa will be useless unless we can in some way embed good governance systems in countries that are open to them. If, as already stated, we provide the opportunities and a level of security, people will remain in their own countries. A range of responses is required to stem the flow of people from Africa into the EU.

I am not aware of any specific measures relating to holding centres. It might be better if the Deputy raised this matter with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform who has primary responsibility in that area.

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