Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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I welcome the witnesses. Last week we acknowledged the anniversary of the massacres in Rwanda and we are facing another situation of that magnitude. People say that what happened in Rwanda could never happen again but it is happening in Syria and I have no doubt that in ten or 20 years' time we will be acknowledging the number of casualties, fatalities and massacres in Syria. It seems we never learn to move on and we continue to treat people in that way.

I ask for the witnesses' view on the role of the United Nations. As other members said, strong resolutions have come from the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council but it would seem that they are not worth the paper they are written on. Does this show how the UN is inept or ineffective in this situation?

There are questions with regard to the Syrian opposition. I read an article which suggests that the headlines given to radical Islam are disproportionate to the actual numbers involved. What is the Free Syrian Army doing about the radical groups which have infiltrated it? Have particular areas been taken over by al-Qaeda? I would value the views of the witnesses about the opposition.

Russian and Iranian interests were mentioned in the submission. The counter-balance is the influence of western and American interests. It might be preferable if they could all back off from their involvement and let the Syrian people decide their own destiny but it seems we are not too fond of doing that.

I was horrified by the reaction of the Russian ambassador who attended a recent committee meeting to speak about Ukraine. I asked him if he would impress on his Government the need for humanitarian corridors in Syria so that medical and food supplies could get to the people. His reaction was horrifying. When the war eventually stops there will be massive problems for people trying to continue with their lives in the aftermath and for the rebuilding of Syria.

I ask the witnesses to elaborate on the reference in the submission to a separate Alawite state.