Skip to main content
Normal View

Middle East Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018

Tuesday, 12 June 2018

Questions (159, 161)

Niall Collins

Question:

159. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he will take to ensure that aid is properly managed in Syria and reaches those most in need in view of the fact that Ireland will lead the international donor group which supports the work of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24352/18]

View answer

Niall Collins

Question:

161. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the safeguards in place to ensure that aid from Ireland to Syria is properly used and is going to its intended targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24354/18]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 161 together.

Ireland’s humanitarian response inside Syria is targeted at those in greatest need, channelled in line with the humanitarian principles of independence, impartiality, neutrality and humanity.

Decisions on the allocation of Irish funds are based on analyses of the highest priority needs, together with assessments of which organisations are best placed and have the appropriate capacity to respond to those needs. Given the complexity of operation in a conflict zone, Ireland’s assistance inside Syria is channelled through the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. It is recognised that provision of humanitarian aid to areas in conflict, including Syria, presents significant challenges, particularly when it comes to the political and security environment. Ireland’s partners working in such environments are therefore subject to careful systems assessments and must demonstrate transparency, accountability, and effective and efficient use of funds.

In addition to the standard robust grant management and appraisals processes, a dedicated Humanitarian Advisor for the Middle East, based in the Irish Embassy in Ankara, also oversees programmes and partners in receipt of Irish funding. This includes membership of donor advisory boards, based in the region, who oversee the allocation of support to various partners. In addition, Ireland participates in international donor coordination mechanisms that monitor and oversee the work of our partners. Through Ireland’s upcoming chairmanship of the OCHA Donor Support Group, in particular, we will support OCHA to lead an effective and principled global humanitarian response, including inside Syria.

Through our annual contributions to EU Institutions, Ireland also supports the EU’s humanitarian response inside Syria. Implementation of humanitarian aid managed by the EU is ensured through several layers of checks and monitoring, including regular field visits. Regular evaluations are also undertaken, the results of which are publicly available.

Ireland will continue to monitor closely the humanitarian situation across the region affected by the Syria crisis. We will also continue to ensure that Irish and EU assistance reaches those in greatest need in the most efficient and effective way possible, with robust monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure this.

Top
Share