Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join with other Senators in raising what has been happening in Syria in the past few weeks, months and years. We have watched one of the great atrocities in recent years in Aleppo. We are not taking sides but we need to raise the issue and we have already done so with the ambassador and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. How can we, in the western world, watch while an unmerciful tragedy is happening in that part of the world with women, children and innocent bystanders slaughtered? It is a frightening scenario. We should do whatever we can do as a nation because history will look back at these moments and judge us for what has happened in the past few months. It is an appalling situation. Society will have to come to grips with what is happening and do what it can.

I also want to mention the unfortunate and sudden death of a former colleague of mine, and sitting member of Cork County Council, Claire Cullinane, who was with me on the local authority for many years. It might not be in order but she was a very capable woman and brought a lot to local government. Her loss will be greatly felt throughout Cork County Council and in Cobh.