Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Does Ms O'Hara agree that the voice of the UNHCR, an organisation that is active at the coalface, is essential in assisting whomever is representing the United Nations in negotiations to try to bring about a peaceful solution to a very difficult problem? If the UNHCR is dealing daily with people at the coalface, surely it is advisable to have representatives of the organisation, not necessarily Ms O'Hara, at the negotiating table, even it means sitting behind the main UN representative.

It strikes me that it is very difficult for people to understand events in Syria. Religion is involved and there have been all sorts of other issue over the years. While it will not be easy to find, a solution is very badly needed. A small country such as Ireland can try to force a circumstance in which people are kept at the table and those at the table are those who have knowledge and experience of the difficulties on the ground. An organisation such as the UNHCR needs to be at the negotiations, whether seated at the table or behind those at it. It should at least be hanging around when the negotiations are taking place.