Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)
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I welcome our special guest and congratulate him on his appointment. He certainly has a daunting task. The programme of work he has laid out is impressive. I am most impressed by his talk of being totally consistent in dealing with all violating countries. Like other speakers I am deeply concerned about the situation in Syria. It is absolutely appalling that women and children are dying from the cold and hunger in camps which have no heating and are wet. I am concerned this situation does not have the urgency it deserves from the international community, and I include the European Union in this equation. Does aid earmarked for the victims of violence and hunger go directly to the Syrian Government? Does Mr. Lambrinidis have any advice for the Irish Government on how during the Presidency we can bring greater influence to bear on the international community to resolve this appalling situation which, as another speaker stated, has seen more than 60,000 people killed to date and the situation is deteriorating?

Mr. Lambrinidis mentioned 97 actions have been approved in a three-year action plan and spoke much about effectiveness and visibility. What would he regard as a success with regard to achievements in the coming years? What are the real issues he wishes to see addressed in the next two years? What does he regard as the most urgent matters, apart from Syria? Given the size of his brief and the enormity of the problems in his area of remit I am curious to know what support team he has. How large is his organisation?