Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I first wish to speak about the Malta declaration, which is supposedly about capacity building, training and adequate reception capacity in Libya for migrants. In April, €20 million was added for the protection of migrants on top of the at least €120 million already provided. The reality in Libya is very disturbing. It is a country in turmoil and chaos. There are three ostensible governments running the country, which is sliding towards bankruptcy. There are shortages of electricity, fuel and medical care, and armed groups are roaming about. This is one of the countries that is getting EU funding to look after migrants.

During a recent Topical Issue debate, I referred to the inhumane conditions in the so-called migrant centres in Libya. Those centres are dangerously overcrowded with no light or ventilation. There is a shortage of water, and there are sanitation issues and health hazards. There are reports of extreme violence, including forced prostitution and forced labour. There are also accounts of acute malnutrition. As people feed from communal bowls, one can imagine the scramble for food there.

Many were rescued - I use that word reservedly - in the Mediterranean before being brought to these centres in Libya. The EU is also providing training and support for the Libyan coast guard, but there is evidence that members of the latter are not treating people with the respect they deserve or even in a humane way. They are relieving them of their phones or of whatever money they possess. A doctor working on one of the rescue ships has said that every day Libya haemorrhages people to the bottom of the sea. I asked the previous Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to raise this issue at the Foreign Affairs Council; I do not know if that happened. The EU needs to look seriously at accountability and transparency when it comes to this funding. It needs to revisit where it is going and the Malta declaration.

Europe also depends on Turkey in the context of migration. We continue to receive disturbing reports of human rights abuses in Turkey. A week ago, a journalist reported that thousands of people are languishing in Turkish jails, some of them for peacefully protesting or because they were suspected - not convicted - of links with the US-based cleric, Gülen. Amnesty International has advised that the authorities have fired more than 100,000 civil servants. Many reporters and journalists have been detained. Turkey now accounts for one third of all jailed journalists worldwide. Where is Ireland's voice at the EU on this?

The second issue I wish to raise relates to Palestine and the statement on achieving a just and meaningful solution. Matters relating to Palestine have reached a stalemate. The situation is moving further and further away from the so-called two-state solution. I do not believe there can be a two-state solution while the settlements continue to be built. The peace negotiations to date can only be described as a charade. How can there be negotiation between two powers when there is such inequality between them? We know the effects of the occupation and we usually look at the political effects. The World Bank compiled a report on the economic effects of occupation. Is Palestine being considered at all by the EU? In the Quartet roadmap, Israel agreed to halt settlement activity prior to negotiations. However, neither the EU nor the UN has insisted on that. I have not even mentioned Gaza. People need to come to the table, but first the imbalance needs to be redressed.

My third issue relates to the areas of need for development aid. I know the EU is a formidable contributor. I want to ask about funding for the increasingly difficult famine situation in east Africa. It is a human crisis that has been described as unprecedented. Given that we have had many other human crises, it is very alarming to hear it described in that way. Some 24 million people - six times Ireland's population - rely on food aid in a number of countries in east Africa. This is as a result of drought, which is caused by climate change. It is also caused by conflict, land grabs and displacement. It is a crisis that is receiving very little attention. The appeals for funding have been underfunded.

I am struck by a quote from Pope Francis, who said, "Today we cannot be satisfied with simply being aware of the problems faced" The EU is a major contributor to aid and the question is whether it is going to the most needy. The health system in Yemen is on the verge of collapse, medical services are under fire, hospitals are being bombed and those who are providing assistance are being obstructed with complete disrespect of humanitarian principles. Those are really important issues that need to be raised at the European Council and the Foreign Affairs Council in a real and meaningful way.

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