Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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175. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which international relief is accessing the various sensitive areas in Syria; if a greater degree of co-ordination and co-operation is taking place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3517/17]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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We remain deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis facing the Syrian people. Despite the cessation of hostilities since 30 December 2016, the situation remains extremely fragile and the humanitarian crisis persists for many Syrians. Humanitarian access and the protection of civilians are binding legal obligations for all parties and must be observed.

Since 2012, Ireland has provided €67.5 million in humanitarian assistance to Syria and the region, including more than €25 million during 2016. This is Ireland’s largest ever response to any humanitarian crisis. Ireland’s support is channelled through UN, Red Cross and NGO partners, who are best placed to respond and ensure that Irish funding goes to those who need it most. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in particular has proven capacity and expertise in reaching the most vulnerable communities in conflict situations and gaining access to besieged and hard-to-reach areas, where other organisations cannot operate. During 2016 alone, Ireland’s funding supported the work of the ICRC to carry out 55 cross-frontline operations to bring food, clean water and essential aid to millions of Syrians.

In line with a coordinated, “Whole of Syria” approach, bringing together international humanitarian efforts inside Syria and those in the neighbouring countries of Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) sets out annually the principal needs and objectives of the humanitarian response, and monitors progress towards these objectives. These are to save lives and alleviate suffering, enhance the protection of civilians and build their resilience. Ireland’s support to the UN in Syria has been provided through pooled funding managed by OCHA in Syria, Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan. The Jordan and Turkey funds in particular prioritise cross-border assistance to vulnerable communities, supporting local partners to target hard-to-reach areas.

Ireland also supports the EU’s humanitarian response in Syria, which amounted to €445 million in 2016. The EU and its Member States are collectively the lead provider of international aid to the people of Syria. Since the launch of the EU’s Humanitarian Initiative for Aleppo on 2 October 2016, the EU has a leading role in ensuring minimum conditions for humanitarian access and for the security and safety of medical staff and humanitarian workers.

We continue to monitor the situation closely, and are ready to provide further assistance in support of the Syrian people as needed.