Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste and his officials for making themselves available.

Notwithstanding the welcome updates on Ukraine and the initiative in respect of our security, including our future security, and the mention of the various progress and potential as regards the future of Northern Ireland, I will focus on the immediate issue of the Middle East. I have talked to people in my constituency, as I am sure other Members have throughout the country, and they are worried, fearful, frustrated and angered over recent events. I can understand the questions that have come from other Members as regards their concerns about our Defence Forces in Lebanon and Syria because their existing role can be maintained only on the basis of successful efforts to de-escalate the present crisis, ensuring it does not spread within the region.

My questions are therefore specifically about the fact that every day and every hour is vital in seeking to address this issue. What progress has been made today, for example, on the creation and maintenance of a humanitarian aid corridor for those impacted by ongoing events? What progress has been made today as regards assistance being sought and working with our partners, including our EU partners, in getting our Irish citizens out of danger in the immediate area affected? What progress has been made today and in recent days as regards efforts by all parties to de-escalate the situation?

As the spokesperson for our policy and the commitments we have made to UN Charters, can the Tánaiste state that we speak as one with our partners in Europe, with those charged with the responsibility of leading Europe and with the UN?