UN migration pact
Deputy Collins asked whether Ireland would sign the UN migration pact and what obligations it would bring. The Tánaiste said Ireland intended to support the compact, aiming for a balance between migrant protection and national border management; another Deputy said the answer covered his own similar question.
Page 144 on the programme for Government states: "Our active membership of the UN is an important aspect of our foreign policy". Does Ireland intend to sign the UN migration pact, and if it does, with what new conditions will Ireland have to comply?
Comment on this
The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, is travelling next week. It is Ireland's intention to support the UN in introducing a new compact on migration. The idea is to try to build consensus across the UN structures to strike a balance between treating migrants in a way that is consistent with international law and recognising that countries have a right to manage their borders appropriately, and to ensure that those issues are dealt with as consistently as possible across the world. Migration, as the Deputy knows, is a huge challenge for many countries. This is a very good effort to try to do that. Not all countries in the UN will support it, but I am glad to say that Ireland will be one of those that will support those efforts.
Comment on this
My question was similar to the one that has just been answered concerning the UN migration pact which will be signed next week by the Minister for Justice and Equality. I wished to ask what the benefits and obligations for this country will be, but the Tánaiste has outlined that.