Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be as brief as possible. Ms Meriwas asked how we can ensure aid, food and needed supplies reach the most vulnerable. Will she elaborate on the extent to which they are not reaching the most vulnerable? Is she suggesting we are not successful in reaching the most vulnerable? What limitations are there? That is a common fear among people who are in favour of aid and support. They fear it might not always be reaching the most vulnerable. That is an interesting point if I understood Ms Meriwas correctly.

The principles relating to the loss and damage fund have been drawn up. Do the witnesses have much detail on the various percentage contributions to be made? It must be in addition to existing aid given in the normal way. It must be supplementary. Have any tentative figures been agreed? What kind of supervisory structures will be put in place? How will it work? Is there anything the witnesses would like the committee to do with the Irish Minister or input we could have to ensure the loss and damage fund will be effective?

Ireland needs to start by being forthcoming towards it and supporting it. That is a critical first start. What role could we then play in making sure it worked? We had what my colleague Deputy Stanton described as a disturbing session last week. It was one of the worst things he had ever heard about the situation on the Horn of Africa. We had that graphic description last week and it was hugely disturbing as the former Minister of State said. We have the background, so today we are talking about the mechanics of achieving it.