Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Balfe for her graphic picture of the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in Angola. The recommendations that have been made are very reasonable and I see no reason we could not ensure they are raised in the appropriate forums, particularly as we are a member of the Human Rights Council in the UN. I am sure the committee will have no problem in endorsing the recommendations.

I wish to apologise to the witnesses for the absence of Deputies Bernard Durkan and Dan Neville. They are on the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, which is meeting at 3 p.m. Deputy Durkan is the Chairman and must go to that meeting. I invite the Fianna Fáil Opposition spokesperson on foreign affairs, trade and human rights to lead off.