Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his detailed opening statement as well as the detailed briefing note. It is great we could do the forensic scrutiny long before he came before the committee. It was great that we had all the detailed information in advance.

Not only do I have no objection to the additional €71 million but I welcome it. Ireland has a good surplus and it is in its vital national interest that we provide adequate funding and humanitarian aid where it is needed most. We were expecting it in light of the geopolitical tensions, which are certainly the worst in my lifetime, as well as the humanitarian disasters. I welcome the fact that an additional €71 million is being spent.

The Minister of State mentioned global leadership and Ireland’s role in it. My understanding is that many prime ministers and deputy prime ministers announce and pledge a lot of funding on the various floors of their parliaments but they do not follow through on it, so it is important that Ireland is following through on the commitments made by both the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach, and is doing so promptly. It is also good we are using trusted partners. The Minister of State mentioned the UNHCR, OCHA, Red Cross, Red Crescent and the World Food Programme, which are all reputable organisations. We can be sure, and the public should be aware, that any dollar or euro handed over is being spent appropriately, which is good.

While we are on the matter of embassies, it is good to point out and to commend the diplomatic staff, particularly in the Middle East and the UAE in respect of the recent release of a dual citizen Irish hostage. I think the UAE embassy in particular was engaged from a Qatari point of view. I welcome that.

I might stray into the next Vote for a few brief comments before I head off.