Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that we are keeping a very close eye on the situation on the ground in Sri Lanka. We are very concerned at some of the instances of violence that persist. We are ensuring that not only we but also our colleagues in the European Union play a most active role in assisting in the very challenging and difficult situation that persists.

As well as Ireland’s engagement at EU and UN level, Ireland provides funding to the situation in Sri Lanka. Under Irish Aid’s funding to non-governmental organisations, NGOs, just over €300,000 has been allocated in Sri Lanka in 2012 and 2013. Included among those receiving funding is UPR Info, a civil society organisation based in Geneva which works to build the capacity of civil society organisations and to engage with the United Nations Human Rights Council’s universal periodic review process. Irish Aid funds missionary orders, through Misean Cara, which allocates funding through grants to missionary congregations for their development work in the region. Between 2012 and 2014, Irish missionaries working in Sri Lanka received almost €290,000 in Irish Aid funding which was disbursed through Misean Cara. I acknowledge the very strong and positive action taken by our NGOs and missionaries, often in difficult and challenging circumstances. I assure the Deputy that not only will we continue to keep a close eye on the situation but we will play our part in active engagement to ensure many of the problems in the area and region might be addressed positively.

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