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

The delegates have painted a very grim and stark picture. There was one positive mentioned by the last speaker about smart money having an impact and the communities in question being the most resilient. There is a lack of public awareness of this fact, which contrasts with the publicity Live Aid received years ago. Even a couple of years ago an RTE team in the Sahel streamed pictures every evening. However, there is no public awareness of the extent of what is happening.

I am struck by the irony. We have been discussing the impact of the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union on the level of humanitarian aid provided. The United Kingdom is selling arms to Saudi Arabia to be used in Yemen. On the effects of internal displacement, I am struck by the fact that, despite Kenya's vulnerable position, it is the country coping with Somalian refugees.

There are criticisms of where the money from the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa is going and the purposes for which it is being used. How can we push this aspect? I know that the delegates have made some suggestions, but there may be something else that could be done.

My second question relates to political involvement in Africa. I am aware of the difficulties in this regard in South Sudan, but where are the African political voices on these issues and, equally, the voices of protest in these countries? People are so accepting of their horrible lives. In regard to Ethiopia, we know there is concern in terms of people in particular areas there being under threat of famine yet the voice of protest is being repressed excessively by Government forces. The voice of opposition and independent media is not being allowed to express its concerns. I would welcome a response on the role of African politicians, the media in Africa, civil society in Africa and the EU Emergency Trust Fund. It is appalling that people are committing funding and it is not being paid over.