Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have listened carefully to all the contributions this evening. I thank my colleagues for their frankness and their passion in this important debate. It is clear, having regard to the number of telephone calls, letters and e-mails received by my Department and my constituency office in recent weeks, that this is an issue that is deeply troubling to the Irish public. The exchanges we have had this afternoon provide an important opportunity to address those concerns and to outline Ireland's position and the efforts we are making to support the Syrian people. The use of violence by the Assad regime, its allies and other regional actors against civilians in Syria has been excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate.

The city of Aleppo has faced the brunt of that violence in recent weeks. The pause today in the bombing offers a small reprieve for the citizens of that beleaguered city. It is clear, however, the pause will soon come to an end and the people of Aleppo will once again sit in silence and fear awaiting the all too familiar sound of aircraft overhead. The threat to the defenceless civilian population is unacceptable. I again call on the regime and its allies to extend the pause and put in place a lasting cessation of hostilities. I strongly emphasise that the end of the pause can never be an excuse for the Assad regime and its allies to justify renewing its totally unacceptable bombardment of the ancient city of Aleppo. These atrocities must end and must be accounted for.

I will try in the time available to me to address some of the specific concerns raised by colleagues. I will, of course, get the note Deputy Crowe requested. It is being drawn up as we speak and the Deputy will have it very early next week at the latest. We have agreed to accept 4,000 refugees and asylum seekers from Syria. I share the concern of many in this House that the process of bringing them here has not been as rapid as we would have expected. I hope those numbers can now be facilitated. I have no doubt the Syrian people who come here will be warmly welcomed by everybody in this House and by the public. I am in regular contact with my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, to advance the reception programme.

I am asked on a daily basis what people can do to help the Syrian people other than supporting the refugee programme. The Minister of State, Deputy Kyne, referred to the humanitarian support we provide. Some 13.5 million people remain inside Syria and are in need of critical humanitarian assistance. Ireland's response to their plight in recent years has been unprecedented, with more than €62 million in humanitarian assistance allocated to Syria and the region. That support will continue. More than 2 million Syrian children have been forced out of school. The conflict is now in its sixth year, which is the entire span of second level education here in Ireland. Young people in Syria and those who are displaced in the region are on the verge of becoming a lost generation. We will continue to direct our humanitarian aid to those most in need.

I have repeatedly expressed my concern at the failure of the UN, particularly the Security Council, to act to protect the Syrian population. The Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, has made clear his own frustration at the failure to uphold international humanitarian law and the impunity under international law for those committing crimes in Syria. That action undermines the UN as well as weakening international law and fundamental rights. Several speakers referred to what is being done in Syria as war crimes. In particular, the attack on the humanitarian convoy was an act of barbarism.

I look forward to opportunities for further discussion on this issue. I told the Taoiseach two weeks ago that I am available at any time to participate in debates such as this and to inform the House as to what we are doing. I will be in the Chamber for Question Time next Tuesday, which will afford us an opportunity to resume deliberations on these important issues.

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