Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms McHugh. That is very useful. It is again indicative to us of the range of funding available and the manner in which the Department is looking more towards direct funding rather than a cumbersome form of engagement, which can often result in frustration and administrative delays.

Deputy Cronin wants to come in but, before she does, I have two questions for Mr. Gaffey. Without wishing to draw Irish Aid into the political situation, he mentioned the very complex and difficult situation facing Sudan from a political perspective, which is unlikely to be resolved without international support and international effort. He mentioned the European Union, the US and the United Nations. He did not make any reference to any great extent of the organisation of African states. Is there a role, a greater role or an opportunity for the African Union states to play a more supportive role in bringing about a form of resolution?

Away from Sudan but having regard to the fact that Mr. Gaffey referenced the SDGs, before we conclude, I ask him to give us an update on that. It is something this committee has been very much engaged in, Deputy Stanton in particular playing a leading role in Parliament on Ireland’s engagement and involvement going back to the beginning of the formulation of the pathway towards the SDGs. We saw in this committee the impact of Covid-19 on the manner in which the goals were, if you like, knocked off track, particularly in the area of education. Since then, we have seen various international conflicts and strife add further to that sense of difficulty in achieving the targets. We know that Ireland has again been engaged in a review in the autumn of this year. Is Mr. Gaffey confident or hopeful that matters might be back on track? Is there anything that, from a parliamentary perspective, maybe in conjunction with other parliaments, Ireland might be in a position to do in order to recalibrate – if that is an appropriate word, without wishing to downplay – the extent of the targets? Where are we? As we approach the end of another year, where are we in respect of the SDG targets?

After Mr. Gaffey's contribution, I wish to bring in Deputy Cronin, from her office.