Refugees should be distributed across the European Union according to member states' ability to receive them, as part of a strategy to cope with Europe's unprecedented migration crisis, German chancellor Angela Merkel has said.
"For those refugees who are being persecuted or have fled war, there should be a fair distribution in Europe based on the economic strength, productivity and the size of each country," Dr Merkel said at a joint press conference with Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy.
Dr Merkel and Mr Rajoy both said the European Commission should do more to help resolve the crisis, including providing a list of safe countries of origin so that it is easier to determine whether migrants have valid claims of asylum.
"We agree that the Commission should define safe countries of origin, that European countries should join forces to help Italy and Greece open registration centres and that those who have no right to stay go back to their countries of origin," said Dr Merkel.
Meanwhile, Minister for Defence Simon Coveney said the State had taken "a very generous and forward-looking approach" when it came to accepting migrants seeking refuge into the country.
He also said Ireland should keep an open mind on extending its involvement in rescuing refugees and migrants in the Mediterranean.
Speaking in Cork on Tuesday, Mr Coveney said he would bring a report to his Cabinet colleagues on Wednesday on the role of the Irish Naval Service, which first sent the LE Eithne and then replaced her with the LE Niamh, in the operation to rescue those trying to cross the Mediterranean from North Africa.
“We haven’t made the decision yet to send a third ship. We have said we will keep the navy mission in the Mediterranean until the end of September,” said Mr Coveney.
“As I said through the summer, if I feel or the Government feels that Ireland should stay as part of that mission for another two months or so, then I won’t be shy about bringing our recommendation forward. But I want to discuss it with my Cabinet colleagues first.”
‘Very generous’
Meanwhile, questioned about reports German chancellor Angela Merkel was critical of other EU countries over the numbers of refugees that they were willing to take, Mr Coveney defended Ireland’s position.
"I think Germany has been very generous in terms of its commitments but I think other countries are closing borders which is not what should be happening. I think it is worrying but every country has to decide for itself - we elect governments - we do not live in a United States of Europe here," he said.
“I think Ireland has taken a very generous and forward-looking approach towards accepting migrants. We accepted that we would take 540 initially and then we added another 600 to that. That is over 1,000 refugees that Ireland will be accommodating over a two or two and a half year period.”
He said if Ireland was going to take in more refugees “we have to be sure we can actually physically accommodate them. What you do not want is to be generous but naive and then, as a result, see migrants living on the streets of your country”.
“The medium to long-term solution here lies in trying to create stability in their own home countries. The suggestion that we have an open-door policy for everyone who wants to come to Europe from North Africa and the Middle East - I don’t think that is a viable solution. I don’t think the electorate will allow that to happen either.”
‘Not legally bound’
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he was looking forward to the emergency summit of EU leaders on the issue of migration later this month.
Asked about Dr Merkel’s alleged criticism of Ireland by, he said: “Chancellor Merkel outlined a number of countries that are outside the quota…And as I said, voluntarily we included ourselves and made that point at the European Council meeting that Ireland would take a number of people over the next few years, despite the fact we are not legally bound.”
Tánaiste Joan Burton said one country alone cannot offer a solution to the issue.
“Ireland will play its part. We have committed fairly intensive resources as requested in terms of navy and in terms of our agreement to take additional numbers of people,” she said.
Ms Burton said there is a humanitarian crisis of a very large scale and the Government has responded to that.
