Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important that moneys expended in Turkey or anywhere else are used directly and exclusively for humanitarian aid and the relief of suffering.

Deputy O'Brien also mentioned Afghanistan. At a recent conference in Brussels, participating states, including Ireland, pledged the sum of €13.6 billion in support of Afghanistan over a four year period from 2017 to 2020. EU-Afghanistan co-operation on migration is addressed in the strategy, Joint Way Forward on migration issues between Afghanistan and the EU, which was signed in Kabul on 2 October. The strategy aims to provide a smooth, dignified and orderly return of Afghan nationals who do not fulfil conditions for remaining within the European Union, provided all relevant international law and legal procedures are fully considered. The strategy document provides for re-integration assistance with specific humanitarian consideration for vulnerable groups, including women and children. I am happy to keep the House fully informed of developments in the implementation of that strategy.

Senator Ivan Bacik mentioned Ukraine and she is right in arguing that the situation there is most fragile. It is important that due consideration is given by all parties to the provisions of the Minsk agreement. Senator Bacik mentioned the current situation with regard to sanctions over Ukraine and asked whether sanctions should also be applied in response to Russian activities in Syria. This is an issue that may well be under consideration but I have not seen any proposals as such. I note the Senator's comments regarding initiatives on the part of France and Germany but without having seen firm proposals, it would be unwise of me to speculate on any measures at this stage. The situation is currently under review.

I believe there is an urgent and overwhelming need for legal accountability for alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity and what can be described as genocide in Syria. The referral of the conflict in Syria to the International Criminal Court is not only appropriate but is in fact overdue. I will support efforts in that regard.

Senator Bacik raised Ireland's contribution to dealing with the migration crisis and the progress on the settlement of asylum seekers and refugees. Members will be aware from previous discussions that the Government has agreed to accept 4,000 asylum seekers. We have now settled 486 out of a target of 520 people under the refugee protection programme. I agree with members that progress on the relocation programme has been slow in Ireland, as well as in all our partner EU member states. To date a total of 69 Syrians have come to Ireland from Greece. We are actively engaged to ensure that these numbers are increased. The situation in regard to Italy is problematic. I have been speaking about these difficulties to my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, who attended a meeting of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council recently. We are concerned at the bureaucratic nature of the delays in dealing with the situation in Italy. We hope the issues can be dealt with early but I share Senator Bacik's concern. In regard to the humanitarian response, it is important that we acknowledge the work of our Defence Forces and the Naval Service personnel who have rescued more than 13,000 people in the Mediterranean since last year. As Deputy Seán Barrett, a former Minister for Defence, noted, we are all very proud of the role of our personnel in that region. If we can do more, we certainly will. I agree with Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan's comments on the appalling situation in Aleppo.

On the matter of overseas development aid, ODA, I was pleased that a further €10 million was allocated to our budget in the recent budget which means we have been given an extra €50 million in the past two budgets. I share Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan's concern regarding the need to ensure that we can reach the target of 0.7% GNP by the target date of 2030. As our economic fortunes improve, I hope we will make every effort to ensure that we might be able to reach that sum prior to the target date of 2030. Obviously this will depend on our economic growth and resources. The Government remains committed to that target. Based on the Department of Finance's forecast of GNP for 2017, the allocation of €651 million is estimated to deliver an overseas development aid GNP percentage in the region of 0.3%. It is important that we continue to make every effort to increase that ratio. I acknowledge that we are in a position to provide an extra €10 million this year.

I agree with Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan's comments on Cuba. I acknowledge that the blockade remains a matter of serious concern and hope every effort could be made by all parties involved to ensure the situation can improve for the benefit of the people in the region. I note her comment regarding a trade mission and I hope we will be in a position to announce a high-level visit to Cuba early in the new year. I am happy to keep the Deputy informed on that. It is important that the negotiations on political dialogue and co-operation with Cuba would continue. We will continue to play our part in voicing our concern about the embargo, which we have been doing for many years. Our position on the blockade is both clear and long-standing.

Deputy Crowe, let me repeat my comments on the situation in Syria. Ireland will continue to speak out on these issues. I strongly support the efforts to end military flights as a means of protecting civilians. The enormous suffering inflicted on civilians because of the airstrikes is contributing significantly to the unacceptable level of suffering in the region. I am not calling however, for the setting up of a no-fly zone as this would require a mandate of the UN Security Council. I think it is clear that cannot be agreed, given the existing divisions between Russia and other Security Council members. I do not think that is something that can happen under the current make up of the council. Enforcing a no-fly zone requires the credible threat of the use of force against planes which violate its conditions. I hope that the efforts to which Senator Bacik and other referred will ensure there will be an opportunity and a window for talks. Ireland will continue to play its part in so far as possible.

Deputy Crowe mentioned in particular the Saudi intervention in the war in Yemen. This was discussed recently and we are very concerned by the situation in Yemen. My primary concern is for the civilian population and the longer the conflict continues the more suffering is imposed on the people of Yemen. We share the concern of our EU colleagues, which was noted in the conclusions of a recent meeting. I strongly echo the appeal to all parties to respect international humanitarian law and human rights law. I will have an opportunity between now and the end of the year to visit the Gulf and I will be happy to convey the concern expressed by members