Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

391. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the EU Libya deal on migration and refugees; if he has satisfied himself that Libya is a safe country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16238/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The migration crisis has been one of the greatest challenges facing the EU for the past two years. Migration was the main focus of the informal European Council held in Malta on 3 February, at which a Declaration addressing the external aspects of migration was issued. The Declaration restates the EU’s commitment to assist Libya. Priority is to be given to supporting the Libyan national coast guard; ensuring adequate reception capacities and conditions for migrants; supporting the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in stepping up assisted voluntary return activities; and enhancing information campaigns and outreach addressed at migrants in Libya and other countries of origin and transit. Priority will also be given to reducing pressure on Libya’s land border, including through enhanced border management capacity; monitoring of alternative routes and possible diversion of smugglers’ activities; supporting initiatives by Member States directly engaged with Libya; and deepening dialogue and co-operation with neighbouring countries.

Ireland along with its EU partners is very concerned about the conditions of migrants and refugees in Libya. The issue was addressed at the most recent Foreign Affairs Council. The EU called on the Libyan authorities to redouble their efforts to improve the human rights situation in the country. The EU is committed to assisting the Libyan authorities in this endeavour by enhancing the protection of migrants, helping to improve conditions in detention centres, ensuring adequate reception facilities, looking for alternatives to detention, and increasing assisted voluntary return from Libya. The EU will make use of the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa and will increase co-operation with the IOM and the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees in support of these commitments.

There is no "deal" with Libya. Rather the EU is proposing a number of ways to help Libya to manage and control the flow of migrants risking their lives. The EU will continue to be guided by its commitment to human rights and humanitarian concerns in this regard.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

392. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the EU is planning new arrangements with third countries on migration and refugees; the steps that are taken before such arrangements are agreed, to ensure that the rights of refugees are upheld; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16239/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The EU has responded to the migration crisis by adopting a suite of measures, including engaging with countries of origin and transit to address the root causes of migration. Draft 'Migration Compacts' have been drawn up for the first five priority countries identified under the Migration Partnership Framework: Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Senegal and Ethiopia.

The objective of these Migration Compacts is to improve cooperation on readmission and return of those not entitled to reside in the EU; to prevent irregular migration and counter smuggling and trafficking in human beings; to reinforce the current international protection system for refugees in the partner countries; and, crucially, to address the root causes of irregular migration. Ireland has consistently been clear in all discussions on the EU’s response to the migration crisis that addressing the root causes is essential.

Engagement with the five priority countries continues to develop, and the third progress report – showing tangible progress - was presented by the European Commission to the European Parliament, European Council and the Foreign Affairs Council in March 2017.

Ireland supports Migration Compacts as a key instrument to stem irregular migration and prevent human trafficking and we will continue to engage positively in the process. We are working particularly closely with Ethiopia, one of the five priority countries identified, and one of Irish Aid’s key partner countries.

Human rights and humanitarian values are at the core of the EU and Member States' approach under the Partnership Framework. The EU and its Member States are committed to enhancing human rights safeguards in all negotiations on migration and mobility and to ensuring cooperation frameworks with third countries are built on these principles.