Mr. Conor O'Loughlin:

In relation to Deputy Barrett's particular concern or frustration about the current position in Somalia, the remit of the agencies represented here is around humanitarian relief and development within contexts such as Somalia. I assure the Deputy that funding provided by the Government through Irish Aid is going towards alleviating suffering and saving lives in Somalia now. This does not detract from the Deputy's concern about political developments in Somalia and where we find ourselves. Since the state collapsed and civil war ensued in 1992, the country has experienced recurrent humanitarian crises. I can relate to the Deputy's frustration in that regard.

We have been working in Somalia to try to raise awareness of the position in that country and find political solutions or at least advocate to the international community to find a political solution to this crisis. What is required is political engagement at the very highest levels in the international community. The concern is that there will be a retreat from international co-operation in the current environment. The Government can play a role at the highest levels in the United Nations to raise awareness and alleviate the situation in Somalia which has become a forgotten crisis. Some incremental progress has been made in that a president has been installed in the country. Ultimately, however, time and patience are needed. We also need commitment from the international community. In the meantime, the focus and humanitarian mandate of agencies working in Somalia, including Concern and Trócaire, mean we are compelled to save lives and alleviate suffering immediately. I assure the Deputy that the funding provided by the Government and citizens is going towards that end.