Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A brief reference was made in the opening statement to the situation in the Lebanon. It is one of grave proportions and I hope the Minister and his European colleagues will engage in ensuring, insofar as they can, that monitored elections are held at the earliest opportunity next year and that the issue of humanitarian aid to Lebanon is on the agenda. The situation there from the political, economic, financial and social points of view is one of crisis. The task the Government has is overwhelming. I ask that consideration be given at an early date for the European Union to follow through on sanctions that have been promised in respect of a political elite, some of which has clear links with terrorist organisations.

As far as Ireland's engagement with Lebanon is concerned and having regard to what the Minister said, we welcome the opening of the embassy in Amman, Jordan. Is there a plan for us to increase our engagement with Lebanon and Beirut? Is it envisaged that capacity might be built upon? The ambassador in Cairo, Egypt, used to have and perhaps still has a remit in respect of Lebanon. There is a distance issue there but I hope, having regard to the crisis in Lebanon, that we continue to take an active interest and build capacity in our consulate or look at a resident embassy in Beirut.

I note with alarm in recent times the arbitrary deportation of a number of Syrian refugees back to a situation of danger in Damascus and other parts of Syria. I ask that that issue be taken on board. The situation in Syria has faded from our front pages but it is still in crisis. I refer specifically to thousands of prisoners detained in Damascus and other prison camps in horrific conditions. Many of them have been detained without charges having been preferred. I ask that the European Union continue to look at that. Are we moving towards a situation, which I would warn against, where there is a recognition on the part of some European Union states of the Assad regime? How is this being dealt with at Foreign Affairs Council? I would regard such recognition with alarm and trepidation.

The Minister can drop me a note on the following issue if it is not to hand. Our relationship with Australia is good and has been for many decades. That will continue but, having regard to our diaspora in Western Australia and the economic relationship between Ireland and Western Australia, will consideration be given towards the establishment of a consulate in Perth?

The Minister mentioned the UN Security Council. I disagree with Senator Craughwell's remarks. I express my appreciation and that of the committee for the role the UN council team played and the role our team in New York continues to play in political developments across the world. I acknowledge the role the Minister's team played in the recent repatriation of Irish citizens from Afghanistan. That was hugely important and very successful. It was expertly done and we appreciate that, as do the Irish people.