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

I thank Ms Hadj-Sahraoui. Her contribution and that of Mr. Taylor depict a very frightening and depressing picture of what is happening to people. We have heard outlines from the colleagues of the witnesses and from other NGOs about the terrible situation in so many crises throughout the world in recent years but I have never previously heard the phrase used by Mr. Taylor. He stated, "We appear before the committee today following what was the deadliest seven-day period so far this year, during which at least 200 people lost their lives". To say the least, it is a desperate situation. Obviously it is getting worse and policies are not having the desired effect we all want to see. I compliment the witnesses on the great passion in their contributions, reflecting the views of their organisation and their colleagues who are out there trying to assist people in the most difficult of circumstances.