Dáil debates

Tuesday, 22 March 2016

European Council Meeting: Statements

 

1:20 pm

Photo of Dara MurphyDara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I add to the comments made by the Taoiseach and many Deputies this morning in expressing my deep sadness and shock at the terrible news of explosions in Brussels this morning and the reported high level of loss of life. This was a deliberate attack on the capital of the European Union, the citizens of Europe and democracy all over the world. Our thoughts are with the victims and those directly affected, the people of Brussels and the large Irish community living and working in Belgium and its capital. Many Irish people, including me, travel frequently through Brussels Airport and the city's metro system. I have visited the city three times in the past four weeks. Brussels Airport is a vital link for Irish officials as the city is at the heart of Europe. I urge all Irish citizens in Brussels and Belgium to exercise caution and closely follow the instructions of local authorities and the advice of the consular section of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Irish embassy in Belgium.

I spoke this morning to the ambassador to the European Union, Mr. Declan Kelleher and have since received a further update. He informs me that, fortunately, all staff at the Irish embassy and Permanent Representation office in Brussels and their dependants have been accounted for. On this terrible day for Europe, we must acknowledge the fear people have for their loved ones who are based in Belgium. The Garda authorities are liaising with their Belgian counterparts and will offer any assistance possible in supporting the investigation into the terrible atrocities.

I am pleased to conclude statements on discussions at the most recent European Council. As the Taoiseach stated, I will focus my remarks on the broader aspects of the migration crisis and touch on some of the other questions raised in Deputies' interventions. In the context of the migration crisis, the number of people seeking refuge in Europe remains very high and is without precedent for the European Union. We cannot ignore the fact that the EU has struggled to chart an effective way through the complexities of the issue, which, in addition to the immense human impact, is placing very great strains on many partner states.

The Union has engaged seriously to develop a comprehensive response to the crisis, with many difficult decisions having to be made along the way. Having reached agreement on critically important issues, however, implementation on certain key aspects has been slow. Consequently, in all discussions at EU level, particularly at the European Council meeting in February, there has been a strong focus on stepping up the implementation of already agreed measures and Ireland has been particularly supportive of this aspect of discussions. If we are to chart an effective response to the challenges posed by the crisis, we must deliver on commitments already made and we are seeing some signs of improvement in this area.

Discussions on the establishment of a new border and coastguard are advancing well. While we will of course co-operate with this new agency, we cannot participate in the adoption of the instrument because we are not full members of the Schengen acquis.

In another positive development at the General Affairs Council last week, which I attended, we adopted a regulation on emergency support for EU member states with special reference to Greece. This mechanism, which Ireland strongly supported, rightly recognises the severe pressures that are being placed on member states on the front line of dealing with the migration crisis. I hope these measures will address some of the concerns people expressed in the House this morning with respect to how the Greek authorities can manage the crisis.

In addition to last Friday's agreement with Turkey, which the Taoiseach has outlined, the EU has focused on relations with other relevant partners, including those in the western Balkans and Africa. Following a meeting in Valletta last November a trust fund for Africa was established. There have been important developments in respect of the establishment of hotspots, relocation and establishing a list of safe countries of origin as well as a proposed amendment to the Dublin regulations.

We were asked about Ireland's response. We have consistently called for an approach at European level to address the root causes as well as the humanitarian aspects. This is a feature of our national response. As announced last month, in 2016 alone Ireland will contribute at least €20 million in assistance to support those affected by the Syrian crisis. The endeavours of our Defence Forces have deservedly been commended in this House and elsewhere.

As the House will be aware, a Government decision was taken last September to welcome 4,000 refugees and asylum seekers into Ireland through a combination of resettlement and relocation programmes. I am pleased to say that the resettlement project has been advancing well. We have exceeded half of our resettlement commitment for 2015-16. Moreover, in the mission to Lebanon in January 2016, Irish officials selected a sufficient number of refugees to complete the resettlement commitment. Unfortunately, progress on relocation overall has been slower. This is due to delays in Greece and in Italy in establishing properly functioning systems. While I am pleased to note that a family of ten people arrived in the State last month from Greece, in the context of our overall commitment it is clear that far more work has to be done, not only by us but by all member states. While the complexities of the migration crisis remain testing, we can at least point to some positive developments. Certainly, more needs to be done.

Quite rightly, the migration crisis will remain a priority for the European Union for the foreseeable future. Ireland will be constructive and will seek to continue to play our part in responding to the challenges posed. It is acknowledged in the agreement that certain changes to Turkish procedures will be required before all elements of the plan can become operational. This includes confirmation that standards are up to the level of the 1951 convention. The EU institutions, member states and NGOs are working together to ensure this happens as soon as possible.

In response to comments made today, I am keen to acknowledge that the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees has revised its initial opinion and now considers the agreement to be in compliance. The agreement is in compliance with European Union and international law as long as the safeguards required are properly implemented. The UNHCR will remain on the ground to this end. The EU has also agreed to speed up the disbursement of funds to help Turkey to provide adequately for refugees. The €3 billion to be committed by the European Union and to which Ireland will contribute its share will be going directly to support Syrian refugees in Turkey through the provision of schools, housing, health care and other necessities.

The March meeting of the European Council dealt with other areas under its consideration of jobs, growth and competitiveness issues, including the steel sector and other sectors.

Thank you for your time today, Acting Chairman. This has been a testing day for all of us who support the European Union and this great project of democracy. The Government and the Irish people must continue to show our solidarity with the people of Brussels and Belgium. Europe has been through many testing times over its long history, but the rule of law and democracy must bind us together. We must all play our part in ensuring the ambition of the terrorists, which is to divide the people of Europe, can only be defeated.

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