Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also want to sympathise and empathise with the ambassador on the recent tragic events and, as we have all tried to do, to identify the causes, as we see them, perhaps from a distance. Unfortunately, international terrorism, which has now become a matter of fact, is wreaking havoc on many innocent people across the globe and Africa is no exception. I wonder whether the time has come for a much more co-ordinated approach, not necessarily leaving the burden of responsibility to any one country because I do not think any one country is capable of dealing with the situation. As long as international terrorists have safe havens to go to, they will continue to do what they have done to an even greater extent, simply because they have access to unlimited funds, unlimited arms and organisational ability, which, sadly, will be used to destroy innocent lives and wreak havoc on the economies of the countries they target. Unfortunately, damage can be done internationally to the reputation of countries that become the victims of mindless acts of terrorism because investors do not wish to be associated with places like that.

If the African Union can be utilised to confront this particular threat, that should be done at an early date. There should be no delay. The commitment needs to be there right from the very beginning, otherwise this kind of thing will go on with disastrous consequences and continued loss of life.