Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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112. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his officials have discussed the refugee crisis in Hungary with the Hungarian authorities. [32396/15]

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.

I meet my Hungarian counterpart at the regular Foreign Affairs Council meetings, the last one of which took place in July. My officials also meet their Hungarian opposite numbers regularly in different fora. The next Foreign Ministers’ meeting is scheduled for 12 October. While the agenda has not yet been agreed, I expect there will be ample opportunity for an exchange of views on the events of recent days and weeks which demand a comprehensive and united EU approach.