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

I compliment the Minister on his very comprehensive address to the members this morning. I compliment him and his consular staff and other officials, both here and abroad, for the great work they have done in engaging in the various life-threatening and other circumstances that have presented themselves over recent months. This occasion should not pass without special mention of the demands that are being made and which we all have had to make recently because of circumstances in various trouble spots. I do not propose to elaborate on these. I would like the Minister to convey my remarks to his officials on behalf of the committee.

With regard to the rescue of the unfortunate people who are being transported and trafficked on the high seas at present, the important point we should try to recognise is the need for the European Union and United Nations to dovetail their work in so far as possible to try to ensure there is a broad policy to accommodate them. I compliment the Irish Navy on its work in rescuing people over recent weeks, and particularly for rescuing a very large number of people who might otherwise be statistics only.

We welcome the development regarding Cuba and the United States. This opens up new opportunities for the Cuban people and their interaction with other people globally. We hope this theme can continue to their benefit. I compliment all concerned.

The humanitarian situation in Yemen is a matter that the Minister might refer to. I do not know the extent to which the humanitarian efforts are successful because it is not possible to determine. There are so many developments and life-threatening challenges emerging daily that it is virtually impossible to monitor the conflict. The United Nations, with its resources and personnel, is the most likely body to deal with the matter. Is there anything more that could be done in this area?

The Chairman will be glad to know I will not go on indefinitely, other than to refer to the Middle East peace process.