Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We are all singing from the same hymn sheet. I am encouraged that the delegation applauded the efforts of the new Government in rebuilding Ireland's profile in the world. That was a deliberate policy, with the addition of trade to the remit of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The committee meets all of our ambassadors on a regular basis, as well as visiting delegations. We recently met the Congolese Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Tourism. The Congo is a vast country. It is the Brazil of Africa, a vibrant continent, the economy of which is growing at a rapid pace. The Africa strategy plays an important role in our potential development and relationships with Africa. The delegates referred to the Kenyan who was the leader of the African group of ambassadors when we met them. They want trade links. Yesterday a Minister pleaded with us to invest in the Congo. However, it was interesting to study the figures. The Congo exports €100,000 worth of goods to us, while imports from Ireland total €32 million. There is a huge imbalance, but these countries are pleading for investment.

When the British ambassador introduced himself to the committee, he mentioned areas in which we could co-operate. I am delighted that the delegates referred to construction. We have a highly skilled and professional class of engineers, architects and developers who may not be able to take on major infrastructural projects on their own, but the ambassador suggested British and Irish companies could liaise on projects.

I have many questions, but I recognise that the Chairman will not permit me to ask all of them. Reference was made to the workshop on China held in UCC. Dublin City Council successfully opened the door by twining with Beijing. UCD has the Confucius Centre and both the DIT and UCD have huge Chinese departments. Why was UCC chosen over UCD or the DIT in the context of organising seminars on China?

We are warmly regarded by the delegations who come here. In the international arena there is a great deal of trust and belief in us as a nation. The fact that Ireland won a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council is evidence that we punch above our weight. The question arises as to whether we are exploiting our position sufficiently.