Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As Deputy Haughey said, Brexit is raised in a later question and will also be discussed during statements later. Therefore, I will focus my attention on a number of other matters.

The Syrian conflict has had an impact on the Middle East which will last for many years and has directly led to the largest humanitarian emergency of our time. The Assad regime's brutal suppression of dissent and the added ferocity of attacks since Russia began to take a leading role have resulted in displacement which is causing immense hardship for the people involved and exerting real pressure on neighbouring countries. Was there any discussion on providing assistance for countries such as Jordan and Lebanon that host the largest refugee camps in the world and currently see no prospect of helping people to return home, given the attitude of the Syrian regime to its opponents.

On the issue of the Mediterranean Sea, the Taoiseach will be aware of reports that the number of migrants attempting a crossing on both of the main routes are down on the historic highs, but they are rising again. There are obvious and dramatic failings in the response, particularly in relation to Libya, as Deputy Howlin has alluded to. Did the Taoiseach make any statement about how people are being treated by authorities in some European countries and by European Union funded agencies in North Africa in particular?

The move to a security alone approach, which is being pushed by some Governments under the influence of the hard right, is very dangerous. It remains the case that security and enforcement takes up 70% of all European Union funding relating to migration and immigration. This means organisations that take the lead in supporting integration are left scrambling for funding and are less able to undertake the type of work that would reduce tensions and help migrants and their host countries. The future regulation and funding of this sector is currently being discussed at European Union level. Will the Taoiseach advocate for a greater emphasis on integration work?

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