Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, there is. The Deputy is correct to point out that on our own, we are not, and never will be, equipped to resolve this. That is why the new policy, which will be published early in the new year, puts a great emphasis on a collaborative approach and growing alliances, not only in the European Union but across the whole United Nations, in recognition that if we are to solve the problems of this world, it must be done collectively. I am an eternal optimist and always have been. Global poverty has reduced by about 50% in the last 30 years. It is working, albeit very slowly. The Ireland of our grandparents was substantially different from our own.