Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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156. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures agreed by the task force for the Mediterranean at the June Council of Ministers meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26209/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The June 2014 Justice and Home Affairs Council took note of the report from the European Commission on the operational actions of the Task Force on the Mediterranean. The Council welcomed the progress achieved so far in the five key areas identified for action:

- Cooperation with third countries of origin or transit;

- Regional Protection Programmes, resettlement and reinforced legal migration;

- Tackling human trafficking, smuggling and organised crime;

- Reinforced border controls and maritime surveillance;

- Increased solidarity with the Member States most affect by migratory pressures.

The European Commission report highlights the active involvement of all stakeholders in the process and the Council acknowledged the grave concerns of all Member States at the situation in the region.