Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We have all seen the utter devastation and terrifying scenes from Nepal on the television, YouTube and social media. I welcome the fact extra funding has been agreed for the area. What is facing the people in Nepal is our main concern. Like in all disasters, there is the initial interest to help but then much of the support is gradually withdrawn. The likes of China and India responded immediately by sending helicopters and other aid to the area. We have seen the relief efforts in Kathmandu and other major cities.

The devastation will have a serious impact on rural areas, as well as roads and other infrastructure. There are also serious after-shocks. The committee should write to the Nepalese embassy in London on behalf of the committee and the Irish people as a whole to express our deepest sadness the loss of life.