David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Land grabbing, tax injustice, misuse of natural resources and bio-fuels, under development, civil society repression and climate change are merely some of the key causes of hunger, poverty, inequality and repression that must be tackled. A combination of these factors, as well as political factors, often mean that access to land and other natural resources excludes the poorest and neediest and takes away from the vital needs of food production.

The final point I will make, because I must cut my contribution short, is that in many of these countries it is often the women who suffer most. Many of these countries are dominated by men in terms of leaders and decision makers, in terms of access to education and health care, and even in terms of the basic injustices for workers and exploitation, of which women are often the victims. Perhaps the Minister of State would give a view on that as well.

There is a great deal of work to be done. It is not all about funding, but it is important and it helps. There needs to be a significant focus placed on the political situations and structural problems of those countries.

I will finish the way I started, which is to appeal to the Minister of State to continue to ensure that Ireland plays an important role in assisting those countries. I would not like to see our aid contributions cut in any way. I would hope that the Government can continue to maintain their levels but at the same time, ensure that the funding is spent in the best possible way rather than wasted on other issues. Accountability is important, but the Government needs to maintain the levels of funding we are putting into aid.