Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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677. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he raised any opposition to the European Union proposal to commence a military mission to prevent illegal smuggling off the coast of Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23333/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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In the wake of tragic loss of life in the Mediterranean, the European Council in April agreed that the immediate priority is to prevent more people from dying at sea. It undertook to use all tools at the EU’s disposal and to work with countries of origin and transit of migrants to tackle the root causes of the current human emergency. Ireland strongly supports this comprehensive approach which includes continued provision of development assistance, supporting conflict resolution and capacity building and a range of measures aimed at minimising the risk of further tragedies and loss of life. This overall strategy included a commitment to undertake systematic efforts to disrupt the activities of illegal traffickers, who exploit vulnerable people for profit and put their lives at risk. Accordingly, the May Foreign Affairs Council adopted a decision to establish a military operation under the Common Security and Defence Policy. The operation will be implemented in several phases, initially focusing on detecting and monitoring migration networks through information gathering and patrolling on the high seas. Subsequent phases provide for boarding, seizure and diversion of vessels suspected of being used for human smuggling or trafficking, and for taking necessary measures against such vessels including through disposing of them or rendering them inoperable.

Ireland was instrumental in ensuring that the Council decision stipulated that the operation must be carried out in accordance with international law and that vessels assigned to it will be ready and equipped to perform search and rescue tasks as necessary. We also support the phased approach to implementation taking account of any applicable UN Security Council Resolution and consent of the coastal states concerned.

Separately the Government has despatched a naval service vessel and crew to assist in humanitarian search and rescue tasks in the Mediterranean.