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

I commend the Minister of State and his officials on the programme which is exciting, worthwhile and well considered. I suggest that the rapid response initiative and those who engage in rapid response work should be applauded as unofficial ambassadors and heroes who are seldom praised.

In Africa, the gender issue and the development of women's status are significant issues. A former colleague of ours, Liz McManus, is studying the issue of women in conflict zones. Support for women is a significant issue. This committee has heard from a lesbian woman from Uganda about the situation in that country. There is also discrimination against gays and lesbians in Russia. Some witnesses have argued that the religious Christian groups were acting in a very negative and detrimental manner against gay and lesbian people. The very progressive and important work carried out by our missionaries is funded to the tune of €16 million. I ask the Minister of State to reassure me that there is no conflict between the religious beliefs of those we are funding, such as Christian Aid, Trócaire and missionary organisations, and the basic human rights of women on the issue of fertility control, family planning, and possibly abortion after rape.

Good governance is a key issue. I applaud Irish Aid because I understand it was the auditor general of the Ugandan Government who isolated the potential theft of our money. I understand he was empowered to be as powerful as he is through Irish Aid programmes. I understand he is to be invited to appear before an Oireachtas committee. That is a great example of how governance must be recognised as a key issue and how it has worked efficiently and very well.