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

In regard to the reputation we have developed and are anxious to protect, I agree wholeheartedly with the Deputy's comments, particularly in regard to aid remaining untied and focused on reaching those furthest behind. The Deputy is also correct that there is a question of policy incoherence particularly in the area of climate change. Hopefully, the work undertaken by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Bruton, and the Oireachtas committee on climate change will produce positive results. We need consensus, in terms of political consensus nationally, on how we are going to address this particular challenge, particularly in the relationships we are now trying to develop with small island developing states around the world, and amplify our collective voice in advocating for the kind of policy development that needs to happen internationally. We cannot stand on that stage without being able to show that we have a far-seeing and progressive approach to that policy in Ireland.

In regard to Nepal, we are already working with through a memorandum of understanding, MOU, with the Health Service Executive, HSE, around standards in healthcare. I am sure Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan is aware of that MOU. There is no reason why we cannot explore additional opportunities in the future.