Taoiseach Simon Harris has engaged in discussions with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni regarding Israel’s assaults on UNIFIL positions in southern Lebanon.
Both Spain and Italy maintain significant numbers of UNIFIL peacekeepers in the region.
During their conversations on the sidelines of the EU summit in Brussels, the Taoiseach articulated his stance that UNIFIL troops require protection and that Israel must abide by its obligations under international law, as stated by a Government spokesperson.
The trio also addressed the larger context of the situation in the Middle East, while the Taoiseach and Mr. Sánchez separately shared perspectives on the necessity for the EU to reassess its policies and relationships in the region following the ICJ advisory opinion from July.
EU’s migration system must be ‘firmer’ – Taoiseach
Mr. Harris emphasized that the EU’s migration system needs to be “firmer,” suggesting that the Government would consider “innovative” solutions, which may include outsourcing asylum processing to third countries.
“We should not shy away from exploring…innovative solutions. The people of Ireland would find it perplexing if I were to dismiss the conversation and say we will not entertain [such solutions].”
“Citizens across the European Union, including in Ireland, are looking for governments to take decisive action on the migration challenge.
“The Irish people are notably fair and compassionate. We acknowledge the benefits of migration. I understand the advantages it brings, but Irish citizens also seek assurance of a rigorous system with clear rules that are enforceable,” he stated.
Mr. Harris is participating in a meeting of EU leaders in Brussels centered on the migration issue.
In a letter to EU leaders prior to the meeting, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen indicated that the Commission would propose new legislation aimed at returning migrants to their countries of origin, as well as exploring “innovative” solutions, such as hubs in third countries responsible for handling the deportation of migrants whose asylum applications within the EU have been denied.
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Mr. Harris expressed his willingness to consider such options but critiqued the UK’s unsuccessful plan to deport migrants directly to Rwanda as “downright stupid.”
He told reporters: “Just because that model was flawed doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways. Europe has historically approached processing in various manners. Thus, I believe we should maintain an open mind on this matter.”
He commended President von der Leyen’s call to expedite elements of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact.
This pact was agreed upon by the EU in spring but is projected to take two years for full implementation, with each member state assigned the task of streamlining systems to facilitate its operation.
The Department of Justice has reportedly established a dedicated unit to work on the pact.
The pact aims to enhance external borders, implement faster processing and return policies, and establish stronger partnerships with third countries, including the contentious agreement between the EU and Tunisia aimed at preventing migrants from crossing the Mediterranean.
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Mr. Harris stated that he would advocate to EU leaders for measures that should be employed to encourage Israel to pursue a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, such as leveraging the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
“I will persist in arguing today that based on the [International Court of Justice] advisory opinion from July, member states now have an obligation to take action regarding the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
“I will continue to champion this issue. I will also seek formal avenues to advance it further in the upcoming days and weeks, as this matter requires resolution. However…the coalition Government remains focused on exploring what additional actions we can take domestically regarding our legislation.”
In response to inquiries about the Tánaiste’s comments regarding a potential pre-Christmas election, Mr. Harris stated: “I want this Government to complete the work currently in progress. It is then my constitutional prerogative to determine the most suitable time, which in my view would be the best interest of Ireland to hold a General Election.
“When is the right moment for me to seek the people’s renewal of my mandate? I have been Taoiseach for a little over six months. I am eager to present my case to the people and request the opportunity to secure a mandate to continue as Taoiseach moving forward.”
“I want this Government to conclude its term positively, as it has functioned well. We have achieved over four-and-a-half years, delivering five budgets, and I will engage in discussions with my colleagues regarding the appropriate timing for future elections.”
