Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2016
67. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government plans to assist families and, in particular, children in war-torn Aleppo to relocate to Ireland; and if an extra humanitarian effort will be made to assist the distressed families. [31636/16]
View answerSince 2012, Ireland has provided €62 million in humanitarian assistance as a result of the appalling conflict in Syria, including €20 million so far in 2016. At present, it is Ireland's largest response to any humanitarian crisis.
Irish Aid funding, managed by my Department, seeks to meet the needs of those inside Syria, particularly in besieged and hard-to-reach areas, and those who have fled to neighbouring countries. Funding is channelled through NGO partners, UN organisations and the International Red Cross movement, which are best placed to respond is used to provide humanitarian supplies and urgently-needed health, education, water and sanitation services, and with a particular focus on the protection of children, women and the most vulnerable.
Through our annual contributions to EU Institutions, Ireland also supports the EU's humanitarian response in Syria, including the new Humanitarian Initiative for Aleppo, launched in rapid response to the escalation of the conflict and its impact on civilians. This joint EU-UN initiative aims to facilitate the urgent delivery of basic life-saving assistance to civilians and to ensure the medical evacuations of wounded and sick, with a focus on women, children and the elderly.
Given its complexity and severity, I expect that Ireland will provide additional support for people affected by the crisis in the coming months.
In relation to the possible relocation of Syrian refugees to Ireland, primary policy responsibility lies with my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality.
