Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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835. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to ensure that human rights issues are addressed and embedded in any renewal of the 2016 EU-Turkey deal that was struck following the 2015 migration crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18156/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Agreement reached between Turkey and the EU in March 2016 represented a landmark effort to respond to the migration crisis and the loss of many hundreds of lives in the Aegean Sea. The goal was to restore a legal and orderly admission system, put an end to irregular migration from Turkey to the EU, prevent the loss of life, take action against migrant smuggling networks, and improve living conditions for Syrian refugees in Turkey through comprehensive cooperation between the EU and Turkey.

While there have been some serious issues with the implementation of the 2016 Agreement, it has led to a substantial decrease in the numbers of irregular crossings from Turkey to Greece and in lives lost in the Aegean Sea. The funding provided by the EU has also been critical in providing for the basic needs, access to health care and education, and socio-economic support for refugees in Turkey. The importance of this funding has increased in the past year because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related economic downturn.

Of the €6 billion mobilised by the EU in two tranches in 2016 and 2018 to assist refugees and host communities in Turkey, 100% had been fully committed and contracted by the end of 2020, and 65% had already been disbursed. Given the scale of humanitarian needs in Turkey and the substantial efforts it has made in hosting close to four million refugees, the EU recognises that continued support will be required over the coming years.

In March, as part of a wider offer to Turkey of enhanced cooperation in a number of areas of common interest provided that they continued to adopt a more constructive attitude towards the EU, the European Council invited the European Commission to present a proposal to the Council for the continuation of financing for refugees in Turkey. The Council also sought the strengthening of the implementation of aspects of the 2016 Agreement.

Discussions on the EU-Turkey relationship, including the migration agreement and the financial support for refugees in Turkey, will continue over the coming months. As the rule of law and respect of fundamental rights are core values of the EU, I will continue to stress the need for respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law to be an integral part of all aspects of the EU-Turkey relationship, including any arrangements on migration.