Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome both of the ambassadors to the meeting. It is a pleasure to have them. I thank them both for outlining in detail the impact that Irish Aid has had in Kenya and Ethiopia and the relationship that Ireland has with both countries.

What was striking in both presentations was the age of the populations and the challenges that will bring. The last ambassador, at the end of his presentation, mentioned the impact a young population has on the sub-division of land holdings. The median age in Ethiopia is just under 18 years of age and in Kenya it is under 20. When one compares that with Ireland, then Ireland is the old man of Europe.

I would like to hear more about what was alluded to at the end of the last presentation.

The ambassador mentioned some of the areas on which he would like to see improvement from us. I welcome that he has stated what is positive. He said we should try to improve on the length of time it takes to process visas for the business community here. I see the impact of Ethiopian Air on connectivity and investment in Ireland because the airport is in my constituency. It is a two-way street between all of our countries. What one or two additional things would the ambassadors like Ireland to focus on in its relationship with Kenya and Ethiopia? Both presentations mentioned the very regular contacts and bilateral diplomatic and parliamentary visits. That is very useful. We cannot say that for many of our partner countries. We can build on that. What do the ambassadors see as the next step and phase in our relationship?