Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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131. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised views against the refoulement of Syrians to Lebanon and Syria with his EU counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34203/20]

Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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132. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised views against the refoulement of Syrians to Lebanon and Syria with his EU counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34205/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 132 together.

The EU is firmly opposed to refoulement. All EU Member States are parties to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, which sets out the core principle of non-refoulement. In addition, the principle of non-refoulement is enshrined in EU law, under the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights. As such, all EU countries are bound by the principle of non-refoulement.

The EU regularly makes its position on non-refoulement clear, and reminds other States of their obligations. At the most recent meeting of UNHCR's Executive Committee in October, the EU delivered a statement that "the EU and its Member States recognise the importance to safeguard the right to seek asylum and the principle of non-refoulement, as enshrined in the 1951 Refugee Convention and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights."

The EU recognises the generosity of Lebanon in hosting over 1 million Syrian refugees, despite facing its own challenges including an economic crisis and COVID-19. The EU has consistently provided support to Lebanon's efforts, including over €660 million in humanitarian assistance since 2011.

On a national basis, Ireland's response to the Syria crisis has been its largest single response to any humanitarian emergency. Ireland has provided over €168 million in humanitarian assistance since the start of the crisis, including over €30 million in humanitarian assistance to Lebanon.