Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

This has been a very beneficial meeting with regard to receiving information. I speak more in hope than expectation. I just hope the tragic anniversary that is looming of ten years of such a catastrophe will re-energise people and reprioritise this great catastrophe in our time. I take it from the committee's guests that funding is obviously important as is using the influence that Ireland now has. We never give up hope. We owe it to the people to keep hoping. I see political paralysis and I am trying to be hopeful. Will the witnesses leave us on a hopeful note? It is an horrendous human tragedy.

In a nutshell, apart from the many other complicated matters the witnesses have covered so well, and apart from funding and Ireland's influence at the Security Council, are there any other cry out desperate messages they have for us on which we will do our best? Our Minister for Foreign Affairs is very accessible. He is up to speed on this. As an ordinary member of the Green Party and a Senator, we are taking this so seriously today. Deputy Brian Leddin could not make it today and I am honoured and proud to stand in for him at this very important briefing. It is so auspicious to have a ten year anniversary of such an incredible tragedy. I invite the witnesses to try to see whether there is any optimism. I thank the Chair.