Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 567: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason Ireland voted for inclusion on the European Union's list of safe countries of origin countries (details supplied) despite the fact that some of these countries have significant human rights abuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25780/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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There is no common list of safe countries of origin in existence at present under EU law although discussions have taken place on such a list in the past.

The present position is that under Article 29 of Council Directive 2005/85/EC of 1 December 2005 on minimum standards on procedures in Member States for granting and withdrawing refugee status, the Commission can bring forward a proposal for a minimum common EU list of safe countries of origin in accordance with criteria set out in that Directive for consideration by the Council.

I am advised that a proposal is expected from the Commission this year which will be considered by the Council in due course.