Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes; that is why we are going there. Since 2012 Ireland has provided over €67 million in response to the Syrian crisis, including €25 million last year alone. We are monitoring closely the difficult situation across the Horn of Africa and responding. I am particularly concerned about near-famine conditions in several countries, including Somalia, South Sudan and Nigeria. I am determined that we will continue to provide support for the so-called "forgotten" crises in places such as Darfur, Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic which often do not receive attention in the media.

Development co-operation is at the heart of Ireland's foreign policy. Our key objective in 2017 is to continue delivering a world class programme, aimed at some of the world's most vulnerable and marginalised peoples and helping to save lives and build livelihoods.

I would welcome comments and questions from committee members.