Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

That is a big dimension of the crisis. The crisis in Syria has led to the movement of more than two million refugees out of the country. Those people are desperately seeking sanctuary from the conflict. All the region's countries are experiencing the effect of the humanitarian crisis. The countries most seriously affected are Jordan and Lebanon where more than 60% of the total refugee population are being hosted. More than 500,000 Syrian are in Jordan, and the Jordanian Government estimates that it needs $300 million annually to support the health sector and $800 million to support the education sector due to the influx of refugees. The Jordanian Government has indicated that, without increased financial assistance, it will be unable to cope if refugees continue to cross into Jordan.

In Lebanon there are in excess of 730,000 Syrian refugees and the situation is similarly difficult. Access to adequate shelter, livelihood opportunities and basic services are immediate priorities. Other issues are also arising, such as vulnerability to sexual exploitation, forced marriage and survival sex. It is a hugely growing problem.

I visited a refugee camp in Turkey which is particularly well managed and has good physical facilities. Great effort is being made by the regional and local authorities and the Government of Turkey in hosting refugees. However, a person would almost feel the tension were they to stand in the middle of the camp. These are really difficult places in which to be. I talked to the regional governor where the refugee is located about the huge pressures that puts on local administration and resources.

Yes, the impact of the refugee crisis is major. There is continuing discussion between the European Union and the countries concerned, as well as the NGOs and international agencies that are working on how to deal with it. However, it is a huge problem and as I indicated in the case of Jordan, this kind of cost is now a huge draw on its resources and will continue to be to an increasing extent.