Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree and I wish to assure the House, as the Taoiseach did on Tuesday in my presence, that I would be happy to facilitate Members. That is an issue for the business committee but I would be happy to comply and co-operate, as is always my priority.

I share the absolute revulsion and horror that so many Irish citizens have expressed at the events in Aleppo.

Reports of families sleeping together so that they can survive or die together in a bombing are indeed beyond imagining. Those who perpetrate such crimes against defenceless civilians must face justice.

This morning I had a lengthy discussion with Commissioner Stylianides about the EU's extensive provision of humanitarian relief for the Syrian people. The Commissioner has shown great leadership and the scale of the EU aid is enormous and is critically required. We also discussed the importance of addressing the root causes of migration, a topic I addressed in some detail in my recent address to the United Nations General Assembly. I echo the views of UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, that acts of violence on humanitarian convoys constitute war crimes. I support a credible, thorough and independent investigation to ensure that those accountable for these heinous acts will be held accountable.

The Syrian people who have recently settled in my town, Portlaoise, have recounted to me their terrible experiences in Syria, their fears for their families, friends, neighbours and for the country. I am heartened by the warm welcome they have received in my constituency so far from their beloved homeland.

I understand the deep frustrations which can motivate calls for dramatic action of the type Deputy Griffin has called for. There are many states around the world in respect of which Ireland has had serious concerns and disagreements. Our foreign policy has always been based above all on the resolution of conflict by dialogue. In diplomatic language expelling an ambassador or calling for his removal means that we are no longer interested at least for the moment in dialogue. Ambassadors exist to allow clear communication between governments and are more necessary in bad times than in good. The corollary would be to see the expulsion of our ambassador from Russia, which would diminish our presence in that vast country. Our embassies, as well as communicating our views to foreign governments give regular reports to me and my Government colleagues on international developments and offer protection and assistance to Irish citizens in need which occurs from time to time.

See this speech in context