Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Andrews and compliment him on the work he and his organisation are doing. In respect of the number of children, which Deputy Smith mentioned, and the 1.3 million seeking refuge in neighbouring countries, has any consideration been given to the effects on neighbouring countries? Deputy Nash and I visited Lebanon a few months back and visited refugee camps on the Syrian border. We saw at first hand the terrible conditions they were living in and the strains it was causing. I saw in the news last week that Hizbollah has become involved in some of the attacks within Syria, which could lead to the conflict spreading to other countries. Do the speakers have any feel for that?

GOAL is addressing the humanitarian needs of the Syrians and working to bring the fighting to an end. That was the constant refrain Deputy Nash and I heard there. Given the lack of cohesiveness within the international community, many of whose members seek to spread their influence regionally or internationally and to serve their own interests, how can that be achieved? Could the speakers elaborate on the radicalisation of children because this should be a major catalyst for countries with real influence to play a very constructive role in trying to bring some closure and assist negotiations for a final settlement?