Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 30 and 32 together.

The European Union common security and defence policy Operation Sophia against human smugglers and traffickers is one element of an EU comprehensive approach to the migration crisis in the south central Mediterranean. Operation Sophia was launched in June 2015 as part of the European Union's broader action to provide a comprehensive response to the global migration and refugee crisis and encourage a democratic, stable and prosperous Libya. It specifically seeks to counter human trafficking and smuggling in the southern central Mediterranean by taking action against criminal networks and disrupting the smugglers' business model. The mission is also providing capacity building and training to the Libyan coast guard and navy and contributing to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 2240 and 2292. These resolutions also authorise the interception of vessels suspected of being used for illicit activities and impose an arms embargo on Libya in an effort to prevent the flow of illicit arms and related material into that country.

The training being provided to the Libyan navy and coast guard as part of Operation Sophia aims to improve the security of Libyan territorial waters; enhance the capability of the Libyan navy and coast guard in law enforcement at sea; and improve their ability to perform search and rescue activities so as to save lives in Libyan territorial waters. Libyan coast guard training is a positive move towards capacity building by the EU mission. It is the fastest way to deliver effects in reducing irregular migrant flows and intercepting smuggler activity inside territorial waters.

A number of European Union initiatives provide assistance and protection to migrants in Libya, in particular, inside detention centres. Partner countries and organisations, non-governmental organisations and international agencies are working together with Operation Sophia and sharing their experiences on how to manage something that is difficult to manage from a humanitarian point of view. Bringing real improvements to the position of migrants in Libya will require restoration of political stability through the formation of a functioning government and a return to order throughout the country. Ireland supports both UN mediation and regional efforts in pursuit of stabilisation in Libya.

Ireland fully supports the current EU approach to the migrant crisis, including the deployment and operations under Operation Sophia. In July 2017, Government and Dáil approval was secured for the deployment of an Irish Naval Service vessel as part of Operation Sophia. The LÉ Niamhwas deployed on 6 October 2017 to join Operation Sophia and returned to Ireland on 20 December 2017. In the course of its deployment, the crew of the vessel were primarily tasked to respond to safety of life at sea events - search and rescue - in the area of operation. The specific tasks assigned to naval vessels by the Operation Sophia force commander depend on the operational requirements in the Mediterranean area at any given time.

Operation Sophia has so far contributed to the apprehension of 130 suspected smugglers and traffickers, removed the availability of approximately 520 boats from criminal organisations, contributed to almost 290 safety of life at sea events and rescued more than 42,400 migrants. An after-action review of the deployment on Operation Sophia is ongoing. The issue of any further deployment to Operation Sophia in 2018 will be considered in the context of the after-action review, the vessel requirements of Operation Sophia, the ongoing position in the Mediterranean and the overall EU response to the ongoing migrant crisis.

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