Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join in welcoming the Tánaiste and thank him for his comprehensive report. I strongly support his condemnation of Russia's actions in Crimea. I welcome the fact that the Tánaiste called in the Russian ambassador today. He outlined Ireland's unease and unhappiness with the Russian actions, but what sort of response did he get from the ambassador? Did he indicate that we are likely to see a de-escalation of activities in Crimea?

In his statement, the Tánaiste said that if there was not a de-escalation the EU would take serious actions. What are those actions likely to be and what impact will sanctions have for various EU member states? Deputy Olivia Mitchell referred to various association agreements. Are they unlikely to be signed now, considering the significant pressure that Russia will obviously exert on Georgia and Moldova?

The Tánaiste described the situation in Ukraine as the worst crisis since the Cold War, but the worst humanitarian crisis since then is the appalling situation in Syria. Did the Tánaiste discuss that crisis with the Russian ambassador? It was most appropriate to call the Russian ambassador in to discuss recent developments, but should he not also have been called in to discuss his country's strong support for the awful and sad regime in Syria?

There have been no more Srebrenicas or Rwandas, but the situation in Syria is heading in that direction with 8,000 people a day fleeing across borders. The figure will be 3.5 million by the end of this year, with half the population of Syria in dire need. Does the Tánaiste feel that we are not seeing the same type of public outrage that we should see in this case? Is the EU, including Ireland, taking a significant interest in the Syrian situation? Is the Tánaiste optimistic about the Geneva-2 talks? Will we see anything significant happening there in the coming months?