Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Where ISIS is controlling borders, either it will not allow humanitarian aid in, it will take half of it itself or it will look for some monetary contribution. That is just perpetuating what is going on. There is an issue with the Lebanese Government with regard to the issuing of registrations for NGOs, particularly the international NGOs. They are the ones who have vast experience. They can train the other NGOs from the country, so it is vital that they get in. Perhaps that is something the Minister could address.

There is another point about refugees. The Minister has seen for himself the extent of the pressure on countries such as Turkey and Lebanon. While Turkey can absorb it to some extent because of its size, Lebanon cannot. Turkey has received ten times as many Syrian refugees as all the EU member states together. The EU member states could be doing more on the refugee situation.

We are a main player when it comes to humanitarian aid. That is completely recognised. However, we constantly hear that Ireland is also a political force. Sometimes I do not think we realise the importance of our voice at both EU and UN level.

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