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

While the global migration crisis may have lessened somewhat since its height in 2015, the recent appalling discovery of 39 bodies in a lorry in Essex has put the issue back in focus. The shocking discovery was followed by MEPs voting against a non-legally binding resolution that called on European countries to step up search and rescue efforts in the Mediterranean. As the Tánaiste knows, Fine Gael's four MEPs voted against the resolution. According to the latest UNHCR statistics, as of 4 November, 96,649 refugees and migrants have entered Europe, while it is estimated that just over 1,000 people are missing or dead. Certain states have been affected by the migration crisis. While the European Union has put in place mechanisms to deal with the increase in the number seeking asylum in the Union, not all member states have committed to sharing responsibility for addressing the matter. While I realise it is a very sensitive issue, it is clear that the European Union can and must do better. I accept that Ireland has opted in to many of the measures proposed at EU level. I support the measures taken to address the root causes of migration, including the EU Trust Fund for Africa which aims to address the root causes of irregular migration and displaced persons in Africa, but my party and I are critical of some of the third country arrangements put in place by the European Union.

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