Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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The witnesses tried to describe what is happening but there are times when language can fail to convey the horror and reality of that. This is one example. We do not have any concept of or feeling for what people must be going through in Syria. Only for ISIS, Syria would still be off the main agenda because the conflict has been ongoing there for so long. The ISIS crisis has, in a sense, brought Syria back onto the agenda. I cannot help thinking that the issues in Palestine continue to be replaced as a further crisis happens with Syria.

My other thoughts are about Libya where the exact same things are happening, but they have not come into the public arena in the same way as what is happening in Syria. To put it mildly, it is very gloomy and there are concerns in this respect . Our overseas development aid, ODA, allocation is moving further and further away from the 0.7% target. It now stands at under 0.4%. I repeat a point I made last week when we had representatives here speaking about the ebola crisis, namely, that we cannot divert money already committed to projects that are extremely badly needed to tackle a new crisis. We must find other funds to tackle the new crisis.

Reference was made to co-ordination. Is there a person with overall responsibility for co-ordinating all of the work being done in these areas? The last thing we need is an overlap because the needs are so great. I have met people who were involved in promoting a concept, with which Irish Aid agreed, that of the Jasmine Tent project, which was designed to provide a safe place for women. I have not heard recently from those involved as to whether the project is moving forward.

On the issue of refugees, we have resettled 90. I wonder how they were chosen? Do the delegates believe, as some of us do, that Ireland could play a stronger role in taking in some more refugees, even if only on a temporary basis, because I am sure everybody will want to return to his or her country of origin at some stage?

I thank the delegates for their input.