Ms Niamh Cooper:

In all of our programmes throughout the world we work as closely as possible with governments to facilitate access to health, education and support that we offer. The situation in South Sudan is very tricky. The Government is in control in Juba, but outside Juba its control in certain areas is questionable. When one is in Juba one does not feel particularly secure. There is a feeling that anything could happen at any stage. There is peace there at the moment, but it feels insecure, and things could get worse at any stage. We are hoping that is not the case and that it improves.

The world could offer support to South Sudan, help it bring about peace and advise it on how best to go about it. Ireland has experience in this area, so rather than dictate to South Sudan and say it is not doing a good job, we would ask that Ireland supports peace by supporting those involved in peace talks.