Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 81: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in view of his statement to Dáil Éireann in answer to Question No. 11 of 10 November 2005 with respect to the treatment of African asylum seekers and refugees in Morocco, if, and in what capacity, the Government is involved in the exploration of measures at European Union level to respond to the increasing pressure of immigration from north and sub-Saharan Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39282/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland agrees on the need to approach migration in a global context and to strengthen dialogue and co-operation on migration issues with all regions of the world, including north and sub-Saharan Africa. We also recognise that it is only through joint action that the European Union can successfully address migration issues.

Following the recent events at Ceuta and Melilla and discussions on migration at the informal meeting of the EU Heads of State and Government at Hampton Court on the 27 October 2005, President Barroso announced that "the Commission would develop a list of priority actions for improving global migration, with a special focus on the African region". These actions include the strengthening of co-operation and action among member states on migration issues and increasing dialogue and co-operation with African states and neighbouring countries across the entire Mediterranean region. In a communication published on the 30 November 2005, entitled "Priority actions for responding to the challenges of migration: first follow-up to Hampton Court", the Commission outlined the issues that need to be taken forward with regard to migration.

Justice and Home Affairs Ministers had an initial, strategic discussion of the Commission communication at the JHA Council on 1 and 2 December. Building on these discussions, this week's European Council will consider the adoption of conclusions on priority actions focusing on Africa and the Mediterranean region.