Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Part of the problem in Libya is that the EU's position is being driven by a desire to stop any movement of migrants. Out of sight is out of mind applies in respect of refugees in Libya and the countries to which they are returning. The outcome of the EU's single-minded position is that refugees often become subject to criminal gangs. Critically, the Tánaiste stated there was an unequivocal European Union position. My understanding from reading reports is that the French Government originally tried to block the statement of 11 April and succeeded in amending it to take the French viewpoint into account. What position did the Government take regarding these internal EU negotiations? It seems the French are taking one side, while the Italians and others take a different position. Where did Ireland stand on the attempt to block that declaration and why did we agree to its amendment?

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