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

I have some specific questions to put to the Minister, the first of which relates to Libya and the way in which it is being used to look after migrants and refugees. We are hearing appalling reports of what is happening in detention centres in Libya. The country itself does not have a functioning government. There are medical shortages, power shortages and so forth. There is a serious possibility of Libya going bankrupt, such are the demands on its central bank. How can Libya be given such a major role with regard to migrants? Where is Ireland's voice in terms of looking for an alternative to that?

My second question relates to overseas development aid. I wish Mr. Gaffey well on the next stage of his journey, following his work with Irish Aid. As Deputy Darragh O'Brien has said, our reputation on aid is unparalleled. There is great respect for Ireland but, that being said, we are now further away from the 0.7% target. How can we move towards that, particularly in the context of realising sustainable development goals?

What is happening with regard to tackling the root causes of the problems in the Horn of Africa? The EU says it wants to tackle them but what is happening in that regard? Yesterday I met a delegation, including a Minister, from Somaliland. I know there are difficulties there with regard to the recognition of that state but it is a democracy that has had peaceful elections and transfers of power. Will the Department consider further engagement with Somaliland?

I have two questions for the Minister on prisoners. First, there are Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike at present. Can our diplomatic personnel in Tel Aviv and Ramallah raise the human rights concerns of those prisoners? In Iran, there are seven Baha'i leaders who are in their ninth year of imprisonment and I ask that we would make representations on their behalf.

Finally, I have asked previously that we would look at the process of election monitoring because concerns are being brought to me about the transparency and accountability of same. It may not be an issue for today but I would appreciate a meeting someone from the Department to discuss that issue.