Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

401. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his views on a change to the EU's migration policy following a report from the UNHCR (details supplied) which has reported an increased proportion of persons dying at sea among those attempting to enter the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36796/18]

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

While the overall number of deaths at sea in the Mediterranean has dropped significantly over the past twelve months, any death at sea is tragic. Ireland supports efforts made by the European Union and its Member States to put a stop to the unnecessary deaths in the Mediterranean. Ireland has been active in Search and Rescue missions in the Mediterranean since 2015, first through Operation Pontus, a bilateral agreement between Ireland and Italy running in parallel to Operation Sophia. Ireland has been a full member of Operation Sophia since 2017. Since 2015, Irish naval vessels have rescued thousands of migrants at sea.

In its conclusions of 28 June, the European Council, following a meeting which was attended by the Taoiseach, reconfirmed that a functioning EU policy on migration relies on a comprehensive approach to migration which combines effective controls of the EU's external borders, increased external action as well as the internal aspects of migration.

In order to break the business model of the smugglers and prevent loss of life at sea, the Council agreed that a new approach is required in relation to those who are saved in Search and Rescue operations. In this regard, the European Council called on the Council and the Commission to explore the concept of regional disembarkation platforms, in cooperation with third countries as well as UNHCR and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Furthermore, the European Council agreed to set up 'controlled centres' in willing Member States to allow for rapid processing to distinguish between irregular migrants and those in need of international protection.

Discussions on these measures are underway and I and my officials are playing an active role in their development. The Council itself confirmed in its conclusions that any centres established must operate in full compliance with international law. In advance of the measures being agreed, Ireland has on three separate occasions over the summer and in an act of humanitarian assistance and collegiality with other Member States, made pledges to take migrants who were rescued in the Mediterranean Sea and to process their applications for international protection.

In addition to supporting the rescue of migrants at sea, and our active engagement in the on-going discussions on regional disembarkation and ‘controlled’ centres, Ireland supports other measures to address the root causes of irregular migration, such as through the EU’s efforts to stabilise Libya and neighbouring countries in North and West Africa, both politically and economically. The recently established AU-EU-UN Taskforce on Libya has seen some early successes in its efforts to support migrants in Libya.

Ireland continues to support numerous humanitarian and developmental programmes in developing Partner Countries through Irish Aid. Ireland continues to support the EU’s Trust Fund for Africa, increasing our pledge to fifteen million euro. This is the third highest per capita contribution by an EU Member State. The Trust Fund is of paramount importance in addressing the root causes of irregular migration in Africa, through its effort, amongst other things, to stabilise Libya and neighbouring countries and to improve the socioeconomic situation in Africa.

Ireland supports the opening up of new legal migratory pathways to Europe for third country nationals, as part of efforts to reduce irregular migration and to reduce the numbers of migrants making dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea. Ireland expects to be an active participant in current and future pledges in respect of refugees and other vulnerable persons in need of protection. In this regard, we have pledged to resettle 600 refugees each year in 2018 and 2019 under the EU-UNHCR pledging exercise for the two-year period.