Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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336. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will discuss the increased violence and attacks particularly on civilians in Aleppo at the next EU Council meeting. [37349/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I have discussed the protection of civilians, the humanitarian crisis and the continued pursuit of a sustainable political resolution to the Syrian conflict, as well as in Aleppo specifically, at the Foreign Affairs Council on many occasions, most recently in January. While it has not yet been confirmed whether Syria will be on the agenda for the February meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, I will use any appropriate opportunity to underline Ireland's’ concerns on the matter.

Ireland and our EU partners remain fully supportive of the central role of the United Nations in working for a political transition and settlement of the conflict in Syria. We are considering how the EU can best strengthen its diplomatic efforts to build cooperation with other regional and international stakeholders to assist the UN in finding a way forward. I will continue to engage actively within the EU, in particular at future Foreign Affairs Council meetings, and globally until our objectives are realised.