Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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128. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a person (details supplied) with their expertise in dealing with the Northern Ireland peace process has been able to assist efforts in respect of peace in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47032/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Ireland is actively engaged on the many humanitarian, legal and political issues presented by the Syrian conflict and contributes to the formulation of international policies on Syria in many fora. Officials at all levels based in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's headquarters and its network of missions abroad are involved in these efforts. I have repeatedly discussed international concerns over developments in Syria with fellow EU Foreign Ministers at meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council, at the UN General Assembly, as well as in bilateral meetings with other Foreign Ministers. Ireland's position of strong support for efforts to achieve a political resolution of the crisis and to address its dire humanitarian consequences for Syria and the wider region is very much in line with current international efforts and thinking, including that of the Holy See.

No invitation has been extended to Heads of Mission accredited to the Vatican to attend the meeting planned for 21 November referred to in the Deputy's question. I understand that the meeting referred to will be attended by His Holiness, Pope Francis, Patriarchs and Archbishops of the Eastern Churches, and is taking place in the context of a Congregation for Oriental Churches conference marking 50 years of Vatican II.