Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister said in his opening remarks that significant progress had been made through Irish Aid and ODA over the years. When the UN High Commissioner for Refugees appeared before the committee earlier, he praised Ireland's contribution over the past decade in many areas, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. The Chairman acknowledged well, on behalf of the Oireachtas, that we appreciated his commendation of the work of Irish Aid in many countries. The work, which is varied, has been hugely important. Deputy O'Sullivan referred to encouraging funding development rather than only providing humanitarian assistance. Does the €514 million allocation include money from other Departments such as the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine? That Department used to provide €7 million or €8 million and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government used to make a contribution as well.

Deputy Eric Byrne outlined, correctly, the number of disturbing incidents that occurred in the past few weeks relating to Northern Ireland.

I represent two of the southern Border counties and spent my initial years as a public representative in Dáil Éireann dealing with issues on a daily basis that affected the communities in Cavan, Monaghan and neighbouring counties North of the Border. The Tánaiste referred to the substantial progress that has been made. The political, social and human landscape in Ulster has been transformed magnificently for the benefit of all on the island. I travel through Fermanagh to go to different parts of Cavan and Monaghan and no longer need to go through permanent vehicle checkpoints.