Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Tánaiste and his officials and I will not go back over what has been covered. I welcome the discussions that have taken place on Bosnia and Herzegovina as a renewed effort has been made to assist the country in preparing for possible EU membership. Is the Tánaiste satisfied with progress there on tackling high unemployment and the other issues that might impact on qualification for EU membership? When does he feel Bosnia and Herzegovina will take the next significant step towards membership?

We are all appalled by the deepening crisis in Syria and the consequent refugee problem there and in Lebanon and Jordan. There is a concern that humanitarian aid is not reaching those most in need. Has consideration been given to the idea of Ireland deploying its aid through the United Nations, UN? The UK Government mostly channels its aid through non-governmental organisations, NGOs. Should we consider this, given that our aid does not seem to reach those most in need, especially those in areas controlled by opposition groups? This is a major concern for human rights activists, particularly Human Rights Watch.

Is it likely the schoolgirls abducted in Nigeria will be located and reunited with their families in the near future? What more can the Irish Government do to assist the Nigerian Government on this?