Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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186. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline his views on the assertion by an organisation (details supplied) that European governments are feeding the business of suffering in Libya; the actions being taken by Ireland in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48061/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The situation in Libya remains very worrying, with instability and ongoing conflict making life extremely difficult for ordinary Libyans as well as for migrants. I am aware of credible reports on the terrible conditions faced by many migrants and refugees in Libya, including those set out by the organisation referenced by the Deputy. I strongly condemn all human rights violations and abuses.

Through the EU, Ireland and other EU governments are working to relieve the suffering of both Libyan citizens and migrants. At the June 2017 Foreign Affairs Council, Ireland expressed deep concern at the conditions in detention centres. Following this, EU Foreign Ministers adopted Council Conclusions in July, which urge the Libyan authorities to improve humanitarian access to and conditions in detention centres, as well as to look for alternatives to detention. At the European Council on 19 October, the Taoiseach highlighted concerns about the conditions experienced by migrants in Libya.

The security situation in Libya is fragile, which limits the capacity of the international community, including the EU, to ensure accountability in response to reports of abuses. Bringing about a step-change in the situation of migrants in Libya will require restoration of political stability, through the formation of a functioning government and a return to order throughout the country. Ireland both supports UN mediation and regional efforts in pursuit of stabilisation in Libya.

The EU has a number of initiatives which provide assistance and protection to migrants, refugees and host communities in Libya. The EU also provides training (including in international humanitarian law, human rights and gender issues) and other support to enhance the border management capacity of the Libyan authorities. In addition, the EU supports the work of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), to ensure that there are adequate reception facilities for migrants. The EU has mobilised €182 million on migration-related projects for Libya, which are being implemented by a number of partners, including international agencies such as the UNHCR and UNICEF.

The only long-term solution to the migration crisis is to improve conditions in countries of transit and origin. The fight to reduce poverty in countries of origin, which is one of the main drivers of large irregular migratory flows, remains firmly at the core of Ireland’s aid programme. At the European Council in October, the Taoiseach highlighted the need to address the root causes of migration, and announced that the Government will double Ireland’s contribution to the EU Trust Fund for Africa to €6 million.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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187. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline his views on the rising tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48062/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran are a matter of deep concern, especially given the potential for this to impact more broadly on the region. I call on all concerned to work to de-escalate tensions, and to resolve disagreements peacefully. Both Iran and Saudi Arabia are significant players in the Middle East region, a region where leadership in promoting peace is very much needed. This is a richly diverse region, where many peoples and religions have long histories, and where communities have shown that peaceful co-existence is possible among peoples who have different religions, languages and cultures. However, after more than six years of war in Syria, over two years of war in Yemen, and the struggle to defeat Da’esh in Iraq as well as Syria, the toll of conflict on civilians in this region has been devastating. The long-running nature of these conflicts show the pitfalls of seeking to resolve differences by military means exclusively. At the Foreign Affairs Council in October 2017, the EU reiterated that it stands ready to actively promote and support initiatives to ensure a more stable, peaceful and secure regional environment. The Iran nuclear deal has shown the way forward, pointing to how patient diplomacy can defuse tensions, and produce win-win solutions.

It is in the best interests of the people of the region that neighbouring countries find a way to de-escalate tensions, to resolve differences peacefully, and to build positive cooperation. In the most recent meetings between my officials and the Embassies in Ireland of both Iran and Saudi Arabia, Ireland’s concerns about regional tensions were raised, and my officials stressed the importance of peaceful resolution of all disputes.