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

I join the Chairman in welcoming the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Co-operations and his delegation. Mr. Balói mentioned that he is engaged in updating the electoral process and this would be the fifth general election since 1992. Who is entitled to participate and who is entitled to vote? How widespread is the franchise to enable people to vote?

It is welcome that our Ministers have made regular visits to Mozambique during the past number of years. We have a very substantial development programme, which I think amounts to €36 million in 2014.

Naturally we hope it would be possible to increase trade between both countries, which is relatively small currently. The goals outlined in our development programme rightly support sustainability, inclusive growth and reducing poverty. Substantial progress has been made in a number of areas, which I welcome, through the impact of Irish funded initiatives, particularly in regard to education. These include the development of schools infrastructure, improved learning outcomes and the necessary and welcome increase in participation in school. An issue that is raised regularly by African delegations appearing before the committee is the lack of essential progress in the number of young school girls completing their education. It must be a source of concern. Mozambique has made progress in respect of enrolment and retention rates among girls. Are initiatives in place that are aimed at participation and achievement by girls in particular?

I also welcome the improvements in health outcomes, which is important. As a country, we take pride in the fact that those initiatives have been assisted by funding from our taxpayers. We are happy with that.

GDP in Mr. Marques Balói's country is estimated to increase by 50% over the next five years, and I hope that can be achieved. Is that realisable in the present context? Does he hope to achieve that growth?

There has been a substantial flow of foreign direct investment into Mozambique, much of which is targeted at the exploitation and harvesting of natural resources. Are benefits accruing to society in general from FDI?

Will Mr. Marques Balói update the committee on the security situation, which was troublesome some time ago? I hope his visit will be productive for both of our countries.