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

First, there is a robust migration policy within the State. Yesterday, we had a Cabinet subcommittee meeting involving all the relevant Departments, which I chaired. We consistently monitor the situation concerning those seeking asylum in the country. When people come into the country to seek asylum, there is a process to deal with that. There is no choice but to deal with it once an application comes in. I assure the Deputy that, at the European Council meeting this week, the issue of migration will be on the agenda, although it was not initially. Other countries are raising it because of the general increase in migration across Europe, apart altogether from the situation in Ukraine. To my mind, the fundamental way to address these issues is at source, having regard to the societies people are seeking to leave. Questions need to be asked as to why they are seeking to leave. It may be because of authoritarianism, conflict or war. It may also be because of climate change, which is creating a migration trail as many areas are now experiencing the ravages of drought and various other weather events. Such events are creating real crises in many communities across the world. It is a very challenging situation. We need to be honest with ourselves and people more generally. It is not something you can stop; it is not that simple at all.

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