Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I apologise for missing the first few minutes of the meeting, but I was delayed at an earlier meeting. I thank Ms Balfe sincerely for her clear contribution. She paints a grim and clear picture of the difficulties facing Angola, particularly the needless suffering due to the state's failure to deal with inequality. She mentioned in her contribution that a one-day conference had been organised at the end of 2012, with the participation of representatives from the Angolan Parliament, civil society, UN agencies and members of the drought-affected communities. Under whose auspices was that forum convened? Was the outcome beneficial?

I concur with the Chairman that Ms Balfe's recommendations are very reasonable. As a committee we should request the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and his officials at both political and official level to highlight the particular problems of Angola at every appropriate forum and to seek some movement on the issues raised.

Has the United Nations been a bystander during this time? We are too well aware of the inability of the United Nations to make progress in ensuring that resolutions are passed. We have seen this happen in Syria and other areas as well. Is there anybody driving an international community initiative to try to deal with the very serious problems of poverty, drought and child and maternal mortality?