Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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85. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to increase humanitarian funding for Syria in 2017; his views on the ongoing war and humanitarian crisis in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3050/17]

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 current situation remains extremely fragile and the humanitarian situation dire for many Syrians. Minister Flanagan and I repeatedly raised our concerns about the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Syria during 2016. We will continue to do so, at all levels, until the humanitarian situation of the Syrian people improves.

The search for a sustainable peaceful resolution of the Syrian conflict remains a top foreign policy priority for Ireland and our EU partners. Ireland will continue to support the efforts of the UN Security Council and the EU to end to the conflict. All of our diplomatic and humanitarian actions are in support of a free and peaceful Syria.

Civilians continue to be gravely at risk and humanitarian access is still severely constrained in Syria. Humanitarian access and the protection of civilians are binding legal obligations for all parties and must be observed.

Since 2012, Ireland has provided more than €67 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 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.

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

I anticipate that the level of our humanitarian support to Syria at least be maintained during 2017.