Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank our guests for their attendance. They have set out a compelling and heart-rending case across all the areas, and I appreciate that. I wish to comment rather than ask many questions. It behoves all members of the committee to state publicly where we and the committee stand on all this. I endorse your opening remarks, Chairman, which were supported by my two colleagues who contributed, on whether this year there should be a net increase in our contribution to overseas aid. We should have a net increase this year. Populist or wrong arguments could be made the other way in the context of the demands that Covid-19 places nationally, but there is an onus on us to do the opposite.

Deputy Stanton created a vivid picture when he said we are animatedly debating the reopening of restaurants at a time when so many in the world are starving, as was pointed out today. The three contributing factors are the conflict, climate change and Covid-19. The confluence and combination of those factors make it incumbent on us to support a net increase in the budget to support the organisations with us this morning, individually and under the umbrella of Dóchas, in the work they are doing and to applaud that work. It is important that the latter point made about transparency in the operations and accountability are all in place. That is critical. The witnesses make the case well around the world. I do not have questions, just a supporting comment. I will certainly be strongly supportive at any forum available to me of the committee's view stated by you, Chairman, that there should be a net increase in our budget this year. It is the signal, but it is the way we will reach the 0.7%. It is also very much the Irish signal that is required this year. It is where we will show our calibre and quality. The onus is on us to do it because of Covid-19 rather than in spite of it, as it were.