Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There were European Council meetings in September and October. At the September meeting, the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, called for a constructive approach to solve the migration crisis. He also called for a broader vision of partnership with third, non-EU countries, which would go beyond co-operation on migration issues. I believe he is correct with this approach. I noted the welcome afforded to the new Africa-Europe Alliance for Sustainable Investment and Jobs at the October summit. I presume that Ireland fully supports that particular approach. If we are to deal with the migration issue we have to look at the broader picture and deal with the problems in these African and Middle Eastern countries as best we can. I believe the EU has obligations in that regard.

I note that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report was looked at by the leaders of the European Council, as well as the need to implement the Paris Agreement. Ireland has much to do in that regard. It is significant that it came after budget 2019, which did not introduce carbon taxes. That is a warning sign for us on climate change, particularly given how it has been pursued at European Council level.

Deputy Connolly mentioned the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, and the proposal to increase it by 10,000 guards by 2020. I would like to hear the views of the Minister of State on that matter. Conclusions were postponed over issues of sovereignty, and I would be interested to know what the Irish approach is to that particular proposal.

I note that the European Commission is going to examine measures to combat the spread of disinformation in election campaigns. The European Council considered that matter. I believe it is a big issue, and is something that this House will have to return to, considering how election campaigns are now being conducted globally.

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