Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1184. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals he has put forward at recent meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Councils in relation to the urgent need to assist refugees fleeing Syria and the adjoining regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32259/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The plight of refugees fleeing conflict and upheaval in the EU’s southern and eastern neighbourhoods is of deep concern to us all, and one demanding a comprehensive and coordinated response from the EU. Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Ministers have primary responsibility for matters related to immigration/asylum and refugees, into and within the EU. In April this year, the Foreign Affairs’ Council and the Justice and Home Affairs Council met in joint session to discuss the situation facing migrants, particularly those trying to cross the Mediterranean. Ministers confirmed a strong commitment to act so as to prevent further tragedies. The June Foreign Affairs Council followed up with the launch of EUNAVFOR Med, the EU’s naval operation to disrupt people smuggling in the Mediterranean. As the Deputy will know, the crews of the L.E. Niamh and Eithne have done sterling work in saving many lives.

In recent weeks the focus has shifted to the deepening crisis in southeast Europe, and the Government recently decided accept up to 4,000 asylum seekers and refugees as part of the European Commission’s comprehensive plan to address the migration crisis.

EU Justice Ministers will meet again on Tuesday 22 September to advance consideration of the EU’s response and a Special meeting of the European Council has been arranged for Wednesday 23 September.

Ireland has been supporting efforts to assist refugees affected by the Syria crisis since 2012. Since 2012, Ireland has provided over €37 million in support for the Syrian people both within Syria and in neighbouring countries. The fulfilment of our 2015 pledge of €12 million, made at the ‘Kuwait III’ pledging conference in March 2015, will bring that total to €41 million by the end of this year.

Ireland has been supporting efforts to assist those affected by the Syria crisis since the crisis there began in 2011. By the end of 2015, over €41 million will have been granted to organisations helping those affected by this conflict.