Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party) | Oireachtas source

The Tánaiste has done well in arguing against the lifting of the embargo. I honestly think we could do a lot more. We tend to understate the influence we can have on the world stage. I think the examples of Libya and other countries show the damage that comes from taking sides in a civil war. Is it not the case that the peace talks are being held up by the American-backed rebels rather than the Assad regime? America is looking to arm the rebels in order to enhance their position at the negotiating table at a later stage. The lifting of the embargo will make the humanitarian disaster worse and will set back the objective of peace. If arms are travelling to Syria, can the Minister of State assure the House that Shannon Airport will not be used for that purpose? Can he assure us that checks will be carried out in that regard?

See this speech in context