Ms Karol Balfe:

The neutrality aspect is hugely important in terms of Ireland's reputation, credibility and legitimacy. Along with that, our history of being formerly colonised complements that in the eyes of many in the global south. Another crucial part of that is the fact our aid policy focuses on human rights, gender equality and governance. It connects with the advocacy issue because for many advocacy feminist organisations around the world, it is really difficult to get the funding to challenge the status quo in different countries. Therefore, it is hugely important we continue that support and that focus of our aid work really being based on those strong values of human rights, gender equality and governance.