Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent)

To build on that point, how important has Ireland's neutrality and principle-based approach been in terms of acceptability, access and credibility? That is, Ireland being a neutral country and operating a principle-based rather than interest-based foreign policy.

At a time when the need is so high and the crunch is so hard on every area of aid, what is the importance of still having advocacy being funded? I know it is a time when food and health programmes and everything is under pressure.

If we are to switch some of the models in terms of this global civil society - here in Ireland as well - will the witnesses comment on development education? There are organisations such as Comhlámh and returned development workers. Will the witnesses comment on the advocacy piece in Ireland and internationally? Mr. Clarken mentioned the omnibus Bill. Will he comment on the deregulatory simplification of corporate accountability we are seeing and the danger that has for the human rights piece?