Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As we discuss all our own problems it is very easy to lose sight of problems and difficulties in the world as a whole. I renew my call for a debate before we rise for the summer on the ongoing crisis in Syria and the lack of progress being made in any peace process to help resolve the difficulties there. To date more than 100,000 people have lost their lives, 5 million people are internally displaced and more than 2 million people are in refugee camps in neighbouring countries. Ultimately this will have implications for all EU countries. There is a massive crisis involving rape, war crimes and crimes against humanity. It has the potential to be the major humanitarian crisis of our time. We need to have a discussion with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Gilmore.

I support the call by Human Rights Watch for the Tánaiste to make contact with the Syrian authorities to call for the release of and dropping of charges against Mazan Darwish and four of his colleagues who are before the courts. Their only crime was exercising their basic right to freedom of expression and assembly. As a country we need to show solidarity. We need clarification on the Government's position on the situation in Syria.