Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply and welcome his ongoing efforts and those of the Tánaiste to keep this issue on the agenda at EU level. Indeed, it is not long since myself and the Acting Chairman, Deputy Ann Phelan, raised this matter in a previous topical issues debate. It is an extremely difficult situation.

Last Wednesday, a former Member of this House, Barry Andrews, now CEO of Goal, addressed the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade. He pointed out that after little more than two years of conflict, the most conservative estimates are that 70,000 people have been killed, 6.8 million people are in need of aid, 4.25 million people are internally displaced and 1.3 million are seeking refuge in neighbouring countries. It is estimated that half of the 6.8 million people in need of aid are children. He went on to say that it beggars belief that the world has allowed this tragedy to unfold and is still doing so little to halt it. He referred to a report in the New York Times last month indicating that less than 20% of the money promised by governments to the relief effort in Syria has thus far been delivered, which is nothing short of disgraceful. In that context, I appreciate what the Minister of State has done on behalf of the Irish taxpayer.

In conclusion, along with other members of the aforementioned committee, I received a briefing from Oxfam on this issue. The introduction states: "It will not be over until the great powers of the region and of the world unite to press all sides for peace. The world's failure to do so over two bloody years is now shockingly compounded by the failure to provide sufficient funding soon enough for the humanitarian response."

The statement from Oxfam continues:

But by and large the world has sat back and watched Syria's conflict and humanitarian crisis escalate out of all proportion to what could have been expected two years ago. Now is the time to escalate the humanitarian response.

I appeal to the Minister of State, along with the Tánaiste and every other Government representative with the opportunity, to ensure this is top of the agenda in discussions in all international relations. It is not widely enough known that this is the humanitarian crisis of our generation. We should do anything we can to urge action by international powers such as the United Nations. Regrettably, many of these major powers have stood back and not played the part they need to. I urge the Minister of State, his colleague, the Tánaiste, and other Government Members to keep this high on the agenda in all fora where they have a chance to contribute.

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