Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the representatives from the three organisations and I compliment them on the amazing work they are doing in such difficult circumstances. How many staff do the organisations have on the ground in South Sudan? Our guests have given us a clear message to the effect that until some level of peace is restored, they will be fighting a losing battle. Are they confident that the current peace talks will be brought to a successful conclusion? What is the level of international involvement in the context of trying to assist in brokering peace and restoring some level of stability to the region?

Ms O'Mahony stated that planting crops is not going to be possible. What sort of window of opportunity exists in the context of ensuring that they will be planted? In other words, how quickly must stability be restored in order that planting might proceed on time? What will be the difference in terms of the amount of aid that will be required if planting takes place and if it does not? Given that the plan is only 60% funded, what amount of money - in dollars or euro - will be required in order to bridge the gap? From where is that money likely to come and by how much would the various donor countries be obliged to increase the level of aid provided in order to make up the difference?

Our guests have painted a pretty horrific picture of what is happening in the region. It will necessary for peace to be brokered and for a level of stability to be restored before matters will improve. The best way for our Parliament and the EU to assist is by ensuring that pressure continues to be exerted on the leaders in South Sudan. Deputy Durkan referred to the imposition of sanctions and also to the human rights abuses that are taking place and the fact that no on is being brought to book in respect of them. Obviously, a major difficulty exists in that regard. Will our guests comment on how we might assist in that regard?