Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The EU keeps the impact of sanctions under constant review and will consider options to mitigate any unintended consequences which can be documented relating directly to the measures themselves as distinct from more general economic disruption caused by the conflict. For example, in 2016, the EU amended the Syrian sanctions regime to make it easier for NGOs operating in Syria to buy fuel. Earlier this year, the relevant working group of the Council of the European Union examined the impact of EU sanctions on NGOs providing humanitarian assistance in Syria and consulted NGOs, including Irish NGOs, as part of the process. The review highlighted some challenges facing NGOs working in Syria, including a lack of understanding of the restrictive measures by banks and other key actors, which can result in delays in transferring funding, which the Deputy raised last week or the week before when there was a Private Members' motion on this issue. This led to the publication of a frequently asked questions document by the European Commission, which aims to clarify the sanctions regime for NGOs and economic operators to facilitate the work of humanitarian actors in Syria. Ultimately, the European Union wants to bring about an agreed settlement and permanent ceasefire that lasts in Syria. That is the way in which we can help people in that country most effectively, as opposed to removing sanctions and essentially allowing Syria to go back to normal under the Assad regime.

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