Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I had intended to thank the Leader for proposing to take the motion on Syria without debate. I had not realised it would give rise to conflict but I will be pleased to withdraw it to try to reach an agreed version of the text. I corresponded with all the group leaders on the motion and I was aware that Sinn Féin was not willing to sign up to it. However, we secured support from the Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil parties, Senator Higgins and, obviously, the Technical Group and Labour Party, which initiated the motion. I am disappointed there is contention regarding the motion, which focuses specifically on the terrible atrocities in eastern Ghouta and civilian deaths in that region. Our desire was to focus on that issue. Colleagues can table motions on human rights abuses and violations in other areas and I would be pleased to support them. I communicated with Senator Conway-Walsh that I could not accept the amendments she suggested to the original version of the motion. However, I accepted amendments from other colleagues and I believed we had produced a fairly uncontentious motion calling for repeated, continuous and unhindered access to eastern Ghouta and other besieged areas in Syria for United Nations-led humanitarian relief operations. As I stated, I am willing, with the assent of the Leader, to withdraw it from the Order Paper if there is some dispute over it. I am disappointed nonetheless.