Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank our guests for giving so freely of their time and speaking so passionately about the conflict in Syria. There is no doubt about the incredible human cost of this conflict which will be counted for many, many years to come. To read that 80% of people are living below the poverty line and more than 13 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, is a stark reality for these people's lives. It would be remiss of me, a day after International Women's Day, not to raise the effect of conflict on women but also the effect and meaningful role in gender balance that needs to be played in economic development as Syria enters into a much brighter place than before.

On food insecurity, I read that 37% of mothers are suffering from malnutrition. The health effects on both mothers and children are profound at that level of malnutrition. What barriers and obstacles should be addressed immediately so that these people can receive adequate food and nutrition?

In terms of the conflict and post conflict, has any research been done on the levels of violence against women either as internally displaced persons or in the camps afterwards? As Syria moves forward, hopefully into a much brighter future, what is the female engagement expected to be at the negotiation table in any peace process? It is critical that women have a voice in any peace process that may happen. As the sustainable development and resilience building that are needed to do that take place, what is the role of gender in economic development in terms of access to education? Any viable livelihood is dependent on a level of education.

I am very lucky that quite a few women who have come from Syria live in my home town. They are incredibly engaging and remarkable women. What role can they play in the development and resilience building of the women back in their home country? What role can Ireland play in ensuring that the issues of the effect of conflict on women and gender in economic development receive the attention they deserve?