Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on any discussions that were held at the EU Council on the situation in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6781/13]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The February meeting of the European Council adopted a set of Conclusions on the on-going situation in Syria. European Union Heads of State or Government called for an immediate end to the violence in Syria and expressed their concern over widespread and systematic violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. Leaders also reiterated their support for the efforts of the UN and the Arab League Joint Special Representative, Lakhdar Brahimi, to achieve a political solution.

The European Council also reaffirmed the EU's commitment to continue providing aid to address the appalling humanitarian situation in Syria and in neighbouring countries. The total EU contribution in humanitarian aid since the start of 2012 now amounts to over $830 million. Last month Trade and Development Minister Joe Costello announced a further Irish contribution of €4.7 million, bringing our total humanitarian assistance to Syria over the past year to €7.1 million.