Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I know. We need more women on this committee because they are much more to the point.

I will start with Syria. We know that Iran and Russia are key players and the nuclear talks with Iran are taking place. All negotiations are about give and take. Has there been any representation in the negotiations on ensuring there can be some give on Syria, particularly on barrel bombing? There is targeting of children, hospitals and markets.

Ireland's record on taking refugees is not good. After the Vietnam and Bosnian conflicts, we developed very strong Vietnamese and Bosnian communities in Ireland who are playing a real role in our society. Why are we not doing the same for Syrian refugees?

On the Palestinian issue, I read the correspondence from the Israeli ambassador. I agree with him on the points he is making about ISIS, its destabilising effect in the Middle East and the brutality of its activity. However, I was struck by the irony of his concern for international law in regard to the issue of the village, yet international law has been broken so many times. The UN Secretary General has said that what is happening in this regard is in breach of the fourth Geneva Convention. What engagement will Ireland have on this issue?

The Minister referred to Addis Ababa. Success in Addis Ababa is critical to success in the other two processes. I cannot but be struck by the fact that the President and Taoiseach are going to New York. While I very much support the Minister of State, Deputy Sean Sherlock, I believe he is at a totally different level going to the conference in Addis Ababa. We all know that unless Addis Ababa gets it right, the next two conferences will not mean anything.

The Minister referred to illicit financial flows and tax corruption. This has to be addressed. What will Ireland's voice be in this regard? Our tax policies must not infringe on the developing world in respect of tax. Those in the developing world are losing more in tax avoidance and evasion than they are receiving in aid. Will Ireland commit to the proposal by many NGOs for a UN intergovernmental body that would reflect all interests rather than the OECD's interest?

My next question is on Cuba and the blockade. Human rights is part of the question but that works both ways. Certainly, the human rights of Cuban people had been very much infringed upon as a result of the American blockade. The people were deprived of medical supplies in particular and other items that they needed. Having signed a memorandum of understanding, will we encourage or support a trade mission or the opening of an embassy in Cuba?

My last question is on the rate of 0.7%. Do we have a timeline for meeting that by 2020?