Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for his briefing. I have one question, which relates to an issue I have raised with him in the past, namely, that of Syria, the stance of the European Union thereon and whether there are developments in this regard. I am conscious that the United States and Russia appear to be seeking to convene a conference on Syria and I acknowledge that in previous meetings such as this, the Tánaiste has been clear in condemning the bloodshed taking place there and in speaking on what the European Union can do in that regard. While the issue was not covered directly in the Tánaiste's statement to the joint committee, I would be grateful were he to provide an update to members.