Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is a matter of particular concern to members of the European Union that Russian troops have been exercising close to the Ukrainian border. I do not know whether that is the type of military aggression the Deputy has in mind. She also made reference to Syria. I do not understand what relevance this particular flight landing in Shannon Airport has to the dreadful tragedy being played out in Syria, where it is estimated that more than 130,000 people have lost their lives and many more are seriously injured. In addition, nearly 2.3 million people are living in refugee camps outside Syria. An horrendous civil war is going on and it seems clear that the country's ruler is continuing to use either chemical or biological weapons against his own population. Moreover, fundamentalists of the al-Qaeda type have been responsible for killing large numbers of people and warfare continues between the groupings who contest the Assad regime. What is happening in Syria is appalling and atrocious. Of course, if the Americans tried to intervene to bring about peace, they would immediately be condemned by the Deputy. What the situation in Syria has to do with the landing of an aircraft in Shannon Airport escapes me entirely.

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