The Government has pledged a further €5m in humanitarian aid to the people of Syria and Yemen.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan and the Minister of State for the Diaspora and Overseas Development Aid, Joe McHugh, made the announcement in response to the crisis in the Middle East.

Right now 80% of the population in Yemen is in need of humanitarian assistance.

Minister Charlie Flanagan says he hopes this money will help the people worst affected by the crisis.

Mr Flanagan said: “The situation is dire, there are 13.5 million people in Syria in need of help.

“I am pleased therefore, in spite of our own difficult and challenging circumstances, we are in a position to make available further funding of €5m.

“This is a total of €45m provided by Ireland since the start of this dreadful conflict over six years ago.”