Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. However, if one leaves Médecins sans Frontières out of the argument, then perhaps the Minister would consider Trócaire's concerns about this deal and the concerns of other charitable organisations. Trócaire has said that the EU-Turkey plan is not designed in the best interests of refugees and asylum seekers. As already referred to by Deputy Ó Laoghaire, member states are effectively being rewarded for repatriation of people who need our assistance.

What are Ireland's plans to expedite our refugee programme in Ireland? The Minister outlined figures earlier today, figures I had previously sought from the foreign affairs committee. While Ireland is not behind the European average, I believe that the European Union itself should hang its head in shame for the slow response to the human catastrophe happening right on our borders. As the crisis unfolded, there was a feeling within Ireland that we may take up to 5,000 refugees. As outlined by the Minister, we have had tens of Syrian refugees coming here. We should do a lot better and I would like to know what plans there are to expedite the refugee resettlement programme here in Ireland.

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