Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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The protracted and tragic crisis in Syria has resulted in unprecedented levels of humanitarian need, requiring a sustained response from the international community. As the number of fatalities surpasses an estimated 150,000 people, there are now over 9.3 million people within Syria who are in need of immediate life-saving support, with a further 2.7 million Syrian refugees requiring assistance in neighbouring countries. Ireland has been to the fore in international efforts to help alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people, and is one of the most generous contributors to the international humanitarian response on a per capita basis. In view of the immense needs in Syria and neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees, at the Second International Humanitarian Pledging Conference which took place in Kuwait on January 15th, I announced Ireland’s pledge of €12 million in humanitarian assistance for 2014. This pledge brings Ireland’s overall funding commitment for the period 2011 to 2014 to €26.011 million, of which over €20 million has been disbursed to date. Funds have been provided to a range of established UN partners as well as to Irish NGOs operational in Syria and the region. We will continue to provide assistance within our means and as the situation evolves.