Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies for their statements. I will focus my remarks on energy and migration issues. Before doing so, I will briefly acknowledge the significant anniversary this year as Ireland marks 50 years of its membership of the European Union. Over the last 50 years, close co-operation with our European partners has been transformative and has accelerated Ireland's emergence as a modern, open economy and society. Ireland's membership of the European Union has had an overwhelmingly positive effect. Working with others through the European Union has helped make us all safer, stronger and more prosperous. Ireland has been proud to contribute strongly to the shaping of today's European Union. To mark the anniversary the Government has co-ordinated an extensive programme of events over the past year and further events are planned around Europe Day on 9 May.

In his remarks the Taoiseach set out explanations for the economic discussion at the European Council, which will focus on competitiveness and the Single Market. The meeting, in Euro Summit format, will discuss the economic and financial situation. European governments remain committed to close co-ordination of economic policies and to increasing the resilience of our economies. European economies have entered 2023 on a healthier footing than previously expected, despite the challenges posed by inflation and high energy prices. The most pressing issue facing citizens has been the very high cost of energy, which arises not least as a result of Russia's immoral war in Ukraine. Governments across the European Union have implemented substantial measures to ease the burden on families and businesses. At European Union level, significant steps have been taken in response to the use of energy as a weapon by Russia.

At this week's European Council, leaders will discuss energy issues and take stock of progress made over the past year and the actions taken to phase out dependency on Russian fossil fuels. These resolute actions have served to underpin security of supply, reduce energy usage and mitigate the impact of dramatic price increases that have been seen by businesses and consumers. Significant progress has been made phasing out EU dependence on Russian fossil fuels and there is a renewed focus, including through Europe's REPowerEU plan, on investment, innovation, interconnection, efficiency and renewables. Leaders will also discuss the preparation for winter 2023-24. There will be a particular emphasis this week on making use of the joint purchase of gas, which will help with refilling gas storage facilities before next winter and make use of member states' and firms' collective buying power.

Leaders will also take the opportunity to discuss deeper reforms of the energy market. Last week, the European Commission presented a proposal on the structural reform of the European Union's electricity market, which is intended to make the market fully fit for a decarbonised energy system and facilitate the uptake of renewable energy. Work on this important file will be progressed over the months ahead.

Leaders will also receive an update on migration. Irregular and forced migration continues to pose significant challenges. Recent tragic events in the Mediterranean Sea highlight once again the need to deal with migration in a comprehensive and holistic manner. The European Council will consider progress made in implementing the conclusions adopted at the special meeting of the European Council in February. The focus of the meeting was on co-operation with third countries, strengthening the European Union's external borders and more efficient return of those without a right to stay in the European Union. The European Council called for operational measures to be strengthened and accelerated. It also condemned attempts to instrumentalise migrants for political purposes, particularly when used as leverage as part of hybrid destabilising actions. The European Council also asked for work to be taken forward to address trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants.

More broadly, co-operation and partnership with countries of origin and transit are crucial to addressing the wide range of issues faced by member states and third countries. Further progress is also needed to address the root causes of migration. A comprehensive response includes looking at resettlement and legal pathways for migration. Ireland is committed to continuing to work with our EU partners to ensure that humanitarian and legal obligations continue to be met. The European Council also called for work to continue on the legislative files in the European Union's proposed pact on asylum and migration. Ireland supports the ongoing work to advance negotiations on the suite of proposals. Migration is a complex issue that demands a multifaceted response and the European Council will revert to this issue at future meetings.

The European Council will also note the outcome of the Together for People in Türkiye and Syria international donors' conference, which I attended in Brussels on Monday, at which some €7 billion was pledged. The conference was co-hosted by the President of the European Commission and the Prime Minister of Sweden representing Sweden's current EU Presidency. It involved more than 60 national partner delegations, including EU member states, the UN, international and European financial institutions such as the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and other relevant stakeholders. Monday's conference sought to mobilise support for the people in Türkiye and Syria after the devastating earthquakes in February and to co-ordinate the response in the affected areas in both countries. Ireland is providing €10 million in direct humanitarian assistance for the people in Türkiye and north-west Syria. The funds will be allocated to the United Nations Syria cross-border humanitarian fund, the Red Cross, the Red Crescent Societies and non-governmental organisations, including Concern and GOAL working on the ground.

The Taoiseach contacted President Erdoğan to express sincere condolences for the loss of life and the destruction. Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by the earthquakes and their aftershocks. The situation in Syria is of particular concern following 12 years of war in that country. Ireland and the international community will work through the UN to ensure the speedy provision of aid.

I thank Members for their active participation in this debate. The Taoiseach will report to the House following this week’s European Council summit.

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