Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The reality is that the Irish Government's foreign policy is focused on doing what Ireland can to address the humanitarian crisis by a sustained release of humanitarian funding. We have released €62 million since the conflict began and we are using our influence in the United Nations and the European Union to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

I am happy to meet the Russian ambassador. I have discussed the crisis in Syria and Aleppo with the US Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry, the UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms Frederica Mogherini, and with all of my EU foreign ministerial colleagues. The bottom line is that there is no doubt as to Ireland's views on Syria and Aleppo. We will continue to raise this issue at every level. I have referred to the humanitarian support. There are currently 13.5 million people in Syria in need of critical humanitarian assistance. Our voice will continue to be heard and we will continue to do all we can to influence what is an appalling situation in Aleppo.

A number of Deputies raised the issues of Turkey and migration. Deputy O'Brien referred to Turkey, migration and the matter of aid. Activities funded in Turkey to date have been primarily in the areas of humanitarian assistance, health and education. Of particular note are contracts for direct grants worth a total of €600 million, approximately €300 million of which is for education and the remainder for health. Deputy O'Brien stated that he has some concern about the manner in which this money is being expended. I would be very happy to hear from him if he has evidence of any abuse of spending.