Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge that the ODA allocation has been maintained, despite the recession, but it is disappointing that we are moving further away from the aid target of 0.7% of GDP. As a member of the committee and as chairman of the Irish section of AWEPA, I have had the opportunity to visit a number of aid countries and I must compliment the work of our ambassadors and their staff and the way in which they have added to Ireland's reputation, which was started by our missionaries. I am particularly pleased with the Sierra Leone office, which is all female. This has been upgraded in status and that is welcome. I pay tribute to the work the staff has done. We had a wonderful ambassador in Lesotho. I hope he will not be put out to pasture and will be given another important role because of his hands-on approach.

Our reputation is excellent and the more I travel abroad and meet people, the more I realise that. As Deputy Crowe said, there are contradictions. We are proactive on the hunger issue but we have fallen behind on the biofuels issue. We cannot give with one hand and take with the other. There is no doubt our relationship with African countries is changing. It is no longer a donor relationship and we are in a strong position to secure trade agreements. I hope they will be reputable and that the tax issue will be included. We will support tax justice and oppose illicit capital flight.

I support the aid programme but human rights are abused in some of the recipient countries. Our embassies and ambassadors can make these issues known in diplomatic circles. There was a problem with the provision of aid in Uganda but there are serious issues for homosexuals in Uganda and the way in which they are treated. These issues should be taken on board through diplomatic contacts.

I tabled a parliamentary question to the Minister about South Sudan recently. The embassy in Ethiopia could have a role to play in reconciliation. I visited Mozambique recently as part of a joint monitoring team and tensions are reappearing between Renamo and Frelimo. Some of those we met said Ireland has a role and it could be a strong voice and give a strong lead in reconciliation.