Mr. Dominic Crowley:

I thank members for their time this morning. The leadership role that could Ireland play by setting a good example is vitally important. We have seen for ourselves how some member states that would have been supportive and sympathetic have moved away quite considerably.

Countries like Norway, where we had a good link in the past, seem to be taking a far harder line and a less sympathetic approach towards aid funding. It is quite worrying. It is not just at the parliamentary level; it is also where the member states are going. Where it is all going to end for us is my biggest concern.