Nasc Initial Comments on the E.U. Proposals to Address the Refugee Crisis
Nasc broadly welcomes the package of proposals announced today by the European Commission to deal with the current refugee crisis in Europe. Commission president Jean Claude-Juncker delivered a state of the European Union address seeking solidarity in the relocation of 160,000 displaced persons, mainly Syrian, Iraqi, and Eritrean people. President Juncker declared ‘if ever European solidarity needed to manifest itself, it is on the question of the refugee crisis. It is time to show collective courage and deliver this European response no’.
The proposals include the introduction of a quota system, based on a number of clear economic indicators, to relocate 160,000 people in need of international protection. In addition, a permanent relocation mechanism that could be triggered by the Commission in the event of any future refugee crisis has also been put forward. Ireland will not obligated participate in the relocation plan
While Nasc welcomes this package of proposals, the non binding nature of the proposals on Ireland remains an issue of concern. President Juncker specifically highlighted Ireland’s past history of immigration, demonstrating our ancestors’ ability to integrate into other countries and societies.
This year, the Irish government announced its decision to admit 1120 Syrian refugees into Ireland over a three year period. In comparison with our European neighbours we regard this figure as being inadequate in the face of the current crisis. The proposed quota system announced today would have seen just 2,176 persons allocated to Ireland. Ireland can and must do more.
