Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Tá fáilte romhaibh go léir. I thank Professor Bury, Mr. Leahy and Professor Fitzpatrick for being here today. As a starting point, we would all want to be associated with commending all those involved in this project who have contributed to the humanitarian efforts which are the saving lives in civilian populations who have no responsibility for a barbaric war that is being unleashed on them by the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine. It is the broad view of the committee that we would be eager to assist in the project’s work in whatever way is practical and feasible.

I welcome the indication from the opening statement that was submitted that the request to the Red Cross was pre-empted. The written statement mentioned that there had been a request for €150,000 but the oral statement said that €100,000 was received. Professor Bury said the project had also contacted other agencies for some additional funding. If I heard Professor Bury correctly, he said the next mission is okay but he rightly has an eye to the next ones. Can he clarify precisely what he would like to have in place to be able to proceed as he would wish and what logistical arrangements would need to be sorted out as early as possible? He also mentioned mechanisms to allow for the transfer of suitable vehicles as something that would be of immediate assistance. What does that mean? Are the challenges logistical or are there administrative issues? Is something else causing the blockage? What kinds of vehicles are we talking about? Is it ambulances, civil defence or something else?

Interestingly, Professor Bury called for the establishment of a formal mechanism for Irish medical professionals to volunteer their time. We have seen right across the world, no matter where you go, that when there is a crisis of any kind, there will be an Irish person stuck in the middle, providing front-line support. Very often they will just randomly appear but especially in regions such as Ukraine and Gaza. The real power of Ireland is generally that we have Irish people on the ground operating and supporting people in need and communities in distress as a result of either conflict or natural disaster. I really like this notion of having a formal structure whereby there would be a one-stop shop for those who wish to participate. Should the Government establish such an arrangement through a Government agency or is it that the Government should support such a mechanism for that to happen? How would that be operationalised? What support, if any, can this committee provide? Can Professor Bury give examples of templates that have been used by other states or regions where such a mechanism has been brought to fruition?