Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 15 June 2021

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence

Yazidi Community in Iraq: Yazda UK and Ireland

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Navrouzov very much. I acknowledge the manner in which she dealt with some of the questions. I am not sure if we have any further engagements from members. As Chairman, however, I acknowledge what Deputies Brady, Clarke and Gannon said as to how we might assist. I propose that immediately following this meeting, we write to the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Minister, Deputy Coveney, to ask that a sum in the amount of €368,000 be made available from the Department.

I note that among the documentation furnished to this committee was a detailed proposal for practical support, which has been broken down under a number of headings. I believe that is quite transparent and will be helpful for us. I ask, particularly following the contributions of members earlier, that we pass a resolution now seeking such assistance from the Department of Foreign Affairs and engage further on the matter with the Minister at the earliest opportunity.

I see that Senator Craughwell is offering. I believe it is important that we follow up this meeting with concrete practical steps, one of which would be an exhortation to the Department from the committee that such funding be made available. We can also engage with the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, as well as the Minister, as to the channel through which these funds would be made available and targeted. I call Senator Craughwell.