Jim O'Callaghan

Ministers also reached agreement on a number of measures, including the extension of the temporary protection for Ukrainians fleeing the war, a more efficient approach to certain aspects of insolvency law and important elements of a measure to protect vulnerable adults in cross-border proceedings.

Speaking about the potential implications of the war of aggression on EU internal security, Mr O’Callaghan stressed the need for continued engagement to prevent the infiltration of migratory flows by those connected to organised crime and the need to combat the movement of illicit arms as a result of the conflict. 

Speaking on this issue he said: “We will continue to engage directly and collectively with the Ukrainian authorities thorough the Internal Security Dialogue. The attendance at the breakfast meeting by the Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister, Oleksiy Chernyshov, shows how committed Ukraine is to working with us to ensure the consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, does not undermine the internal security of the EU.”

During separate discussions among the EU Ministers, unanimous agreement was reached on a one-year extension to the Temporary Protection being offered to those who fled Ukraine for the safety of the EU. As part of the discussions leading to this agreement, ministers also discussed the need to develop a common EU strategy to allow for the orderly winding down of Temporary Protection when the war comes to an end. 

Speaking on this Mr O’Callaghan said: “The Irish Government continues to stand resolute with the Ukranian Government and its people, and we are committed to working in solidarity with our EU colleagues to support those fleeing Ukraine. To date Ireland has issued over 116,157 certificates of Temporary Protection to Ukrainians and today, at a European level, we have unanimously agreed to extend the protection offered under this scheme to March 2027. We have agreed to develop a common strategy for how Temporary Protection will be wound down when the war comes to an end.”

Ministers also discussed how to increase the return of migrants without legal status to third countries through more effective readmission cooperation. Looking at the challenges Member States are facing in the area of returns and readmissions, Mr O’Callaghan said: “The return and readmission of migrants without legal status is one of the cornerstones of the common EU migration policy. While those staying illegally are exposed to precarious conditions and also to the risk of exploitation, they also put pressures on public services in EU countries and erode public confidence in the asylum system.

“There is acknowledgement that the rate of return across the EU is well below an acceptable level with many obstacles to overcome. This is an issue we collectively face. We must implement the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, and work more effectively with third countries to effectively manage migration flows and ensure the swift return of those who seek to take advantage of our immigration systems.”

Ministers also discussed a new measure aimed at improving cross-border cooperation in matters relating to the protection of vulnerable adults in cross-border proceedings. When discussing this proposal, Mr O’Callaghan expressed Ireland’s support for the objectives of the proposal, welcomed the progress made to date, and urged Member States to strive for a text that fully reflects a modern, rights-based approach to the protection of adults in line with the United National Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.