Written answers

Tuesday, 19 May 2015

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Common Security and Defence Policy

Photo of Paul MurphyPaul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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389. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 169 of 30 April 2015, if there are Common Security and Defence Policy measures in North Africa he is opposed to, if proposed by High Representative Mogherini; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19217/15]

Photo of Mick WallaceMick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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401. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details of discussions he has had with the Department of Justice and Equality, in relation to the European Union's new proposals regarding the migrant crisis, in particular the one calling for a Chapter 7 United Nations resolution authorising the use of force against traffickers operating out of Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19489/15]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 389 and 401 together.

Along with the Minister for Justice, I attended a joint Council meeting on 20 April, the outcome of which informed the discussions of Heads of State and Government at the special European Council later that week. That European Council agreed a comprehensive strategy to respond to the humanitarian crisis, which includes tackling the root causes through continued provision of development assistance and supporting conflict resolution and capacity building in source countries in sub-Saharan Africa as well as measures to prevent further loss of life at sea. Ireland is actively participating in follow up discussions at EU level on various strands.

The strategy requires action across a range of Departments and consultation between Departments. One of the commitments agreed by the European Council concerns a possible CSDP mission. My Department has been taking the lead role in respect of this mission. As this will be a military mission, my officials have consulted closely with the Department of Defence. The Minister for Defence and I were both present for the discussion at the Joint Council meeting yesterday.

At the Council meeting Ministers adopted a Council Decision to establish a CSDP Mission, EUNAVFOR MED. The mission will implement its mandate in several phases.

The EU Political and Security Committee, acting under the responsibility of the Council of Ministers, will decide on when to make the transition between the different phases, taking into account any applicable UN Security Council Resolution and consent by the coastal states concerned.

In discussions to date Ireland has insisted that the CSDP operation should be carried out in full accordance with international law. We have highlighted the need for appropriate UN Security Council authorization for measures which are not already permitted under international law. We have also placed particular emphasis on ensuring that any vessels assigned to the CSDP operation will be ready and equipped to perform Search and Rescue tasks as necessary.

The Department of Justice and Equality is leading on a number of other aspects of the European Council’s comprehensive strategy, but consults with my Department, and with others, as appropriate.

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