Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

They very much are and, similar to Deputy Smith, I do not say this to be lofty. It speaks to our values. I am genuinely proud of the fact that no matter who of us are in government it is what we believe in as Irish people. There has generally been cross-party and cross-partisan consensus that overseas development aid and official development assistance works and matters. Part of it is our history and part of it is the proud legacy we already have from projects that have made difference. It is heartbreaking to see the impact that USAID cuts and other cuts are having.

Those cuts will worsen poverty and inequality in countries where poverty and inequality are already rife. That is the depressing bit but it is not a reason for us to plough on and keep at it.