Resources
The Refugee Crisis: A Challenge for Europe
The EU & International Affairs Committee of the Law Society hosted a distinguished panel of guests on 11 November to discuss the refugee crisis and its response within Ireland and Europe.
Edouard Schmidt, Policy Officer at the European Commission and DG of Migration and Home Affairs, discussed the EU-level response to the humanitarian crisis. This includes new and existing schemes designed to assist and process migrants while protecting their fundamental rights.
The Irish Naval Service's Legal Officer, Commander Patrick Burke, offered insight into the Irish Navy's response. His talk covered the operational and legal complexities of rescue at sea, and how international law has underpinned rescue efforts.
Maria Hennessy of the Irish Refugee Council's Law Centre addressed Ireland's official response to date, and ongoing reform of the asylum seeking system. This topic was also discussed by Siobhan Mullally, Professor of Law and Director of the Centre for Criminal Justice and Human Rights at University College Cork.
