Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Negotiations are ongoing on the migration compacts, as agreed through the EU and partner countries. They should certainly be supported. Operational results have most notably been demonstrated, for example, in areas like Niger in Africa. The number of migrants crossing the Sahara via Niger has been reduced from a high of 70,000 in 2015 to a low of 1,500 in November 2016. In addition, over 100 smugglers involved in human trafficking have been prosecuted. Support from the EU has been critical in this regard.

I agree with the Deputy that the situation in Afghanistan is extremely challenging and difficult. It remains an area for which our travel advice is such that citizens should not travel there in normal circumstances. Discussions on the compacts are continuing between the EU and partner countries. When these are shown to be successful I am sure that further countries will be chosen. The House can be assured that Ireland will remain actively engaged in the process.

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