– Focus must be on addressing root cause of crisis –

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs Brendan Smith TD has repeated his Party’s call for an emergency summit to be held at a European level to deal with the escalating refugee crisis.  Deputy Smith has emphasised the need for the European Union to accommodate refugees fleeing conflict in war torn countries such as Syria and Libya. He has also highlighted the need to bring about an end to the ongoing wars in both countries in order to secure a long term solution to the refugee crisis. “The latest development in the refugee crisis is nothing short of horrendous. It clearly shows us how the policy pursued by both the European Union, the UN and the wider international community is failing. It is deeply disturbing to read daily reports of children dying as they make the deadly trip across the Mediterranean Sea to escape war and the loss of so many lives is absolutely appalling” said Deputy Smith. “Far too little has been done to date to accommodate refugees. The Government needs to push for an EU summit to be held without delay in order to identify whatever needs to be done to alleviate this crisis. We need immediate collective action by all EU Member States to ensure refugees are adequately accommodated, and Ireland needs to play its part by providing refuge for people fleeing these conflicts. “We also need greater action by the UN to help bring about an end to the long running conflicts in Libya and Syria. The long term solution to the refugee crisis is to ensure that people can remain in their own homes instead of having to flee conflict. The UN needs to work with all sides involved to achieve a political solution to end these conflicts. This is the only way that we can bring an end to this refugee crisis in the long run. “I know from my own contacts with Irish N.G.O.’s, who have a proud record in working in the most difficult circumstances, that they are very strong in their views that An Taoiseach and the Government need to take appropriate action at national level and insist on the EU implementing more comprehensive and urgent programmes  of assistance.  The international community must respond and deal with the plight of so many people fleeing torture and regions that are experiencing the humanitarian crisis of our generation. – Ends –