Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all of the witnesses for their presentations today.

Since the joint committee was established in 2016, we have laid a particular emphasis on giving the opportunity to non-governmental organisations, NGOs, and other groups to address members on regions or countries where humanitarian disasters or conflicts are taking place. The purpose is to raise public awareness of and give the committee's endorsement to the work of many people in the most difficult areas of the world. The figures cited by the witnesses clearly demonstrate how difficult the situation is in South Sudan.

The committee will write to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade outlining the issues discussed at this meeting and the need for the international community to do more. We will also raise the political aspect of the issue and the likelihood of the 2015 peace agreement being revitalised. I understand from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that our ambassador to Ethiopia and her colleagues engage in any way they can with local, regional and national leaders in South Sudan. We will emphasise that engagement in our letter to the Tánaiste.

The Tánaiste will appear before the committee next Thursday to report on the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of Monday next. I and my colleagues will no doubt raise this particular issue. We want to send a message to the public at large who are very strong supporters of the Irish aid programme, including through the taxes they pay. Ireland is the eighth largest donor of humanitarian aid to South Sudan in the European Union. That South Sudan receives the second highest amount of Irish aid demonstrates a clear commitment by the Government and the Oireachtas to assist in any way we can. This is not to underestimate the serious difficulties involved.

I compliment the witnesses and their colleagues on the ground in South Sudan who are working in very difficult circumstances. We wish them well. I also compliment Ms Keogh on her work. She was a good colleague in the Oireachtas over the years and it is good to see her back. I wish Mr. McLoughlin every success in his new role as he takes over as chief executive.

On behalf of the joint committee, I formally thank all of the witnesses for their presentations and for answering members' questions. Our next meeting, on Thursday, 31 May, will be with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.