Irish Minister for Trade and Development, Joe Costello, announced on Monday additional funding of €3 million in humanitarian assistance for those affected by the conflict in Syria, including €1m to be directed to UN agencies in Lebanon.

This brings Ireland’s total contribution to the international humanitarian response to almost €14 million.

The Minister announced the funding in Beirut, where he is visiting a camp hosting some of the 780,000 refugees who have fled to Lebanon since the outbreak of violence in Syria.

“This funding will benefit those directly affected by the conflict and the communities here in Lebanon and in other neighboring states which have shown such extraordinary generosity and solidarity to those fleeing Syria. It further demonstrates Ireland’s commitment to play a leading role in the global response to this crisis,” Costello said.

“Lebanon is host to almost three quarter of a million refugees from Syria in addition to over a quarter of a million Palestinian refugees. They struggle to access adequate shelter and basic services and many are vulnerable to violence and sexual exploitation. With a similar population to Ireland, this gives some idea of the enormous pressure on its social services and infrastructure. Yet despite this, Lebanon has kept its border open to Syrian refugees. The funding I have announced today is Ireland’s contribution to helping Lebanon and other neighbouring states shoulder the burden of such large refugee numbers,” he said.