Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State acknowledged that war is the primary reason for the huge number of refugees but we have to draw lessons from that observation. The UN report notes that the country with the largest number of refugees is Afghanistan and the country with the biggest increase in the number of refugees is Syria. The lesson is that interference by foreign imperialist powers causes dislocation and gives rise to these problems.

I agree that it is not enough for us to stand idly by but we can channel an independent foreign policy far beyond anything that we have done thus far. It is welcome that Ireland spoke out against the lifting of the embargo on Syria and I acknowledge the Tánaiste's role in that regard but it is not enough. He needs to do more and, in the same way that Ireland was at the forefront in the campaign to eliminate landmines, we can lead in respect of drones and other reprehensible areas of foreign policy.

With that in mind, I ask the Minister to ensure that no arms destined for Syria are transported through Shannon Airport on their way to kill Syrian civilians.

See this speech in context