Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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165. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the bombing of a refugee camp by the Nigerian military (details supplied); and if he has raised the case with his Nigerian counterpart. [3370/17]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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I share the great concern about the loss of life and the injuries caused as a result of the bombing carried out last week by the Nigerian military at Rann camp for displaced people in Northeast Nigeria. I acknowledge the expressions of regret by the Nigerian Government, including by President Buhari, and I welcome their commitment to a thorough investigation into the incident. I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the Nigerian people on the loss of life of their fellow citizens in such a tragic situation.

Internally Displaced People are among the most vulnerable people in the world. They depend on camps such as the one at Rann, for shelter, protection and security. This tragedy underlines the challenge of protecting vulnerable civilians, as well as humanitarian workers, during conflict, crises and emergency situations.

Our Embassy in Abuja is monitoring developments closely and, together with our EU partners, is working with the Nigerian Government to address the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin. The Embassy is in close contact with other key partners, including humanitarian organisations operating in Northern Nigeria and the Lake Chad region. Ireland will continue to address the crisis through diplomatic engagement and humanitarian funding.