Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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While I will not go back over everything Deputy Darragh O'Brien has said about Syria, I want to emphasise that our efforts at the diplomatic level need to be much stronger. I refer not only to our diplomatic efforts with Russia and Iran, but also to our efforts with all the countries that are involved in the bombing of Syria. Some of those countries are members of the EU and the Foreign Affairs Council. I think the point has to be made to all of them that the indiscriminate bombing has to stop. At the very least, there should be a strong call for a lengthy ceasefire of at least a week so that medical evacuations can take place and medical facilities and food can be brought in. I would like to hear the Minister's opinion on whether we are doing enough at diplomatic level, including with the permanent members of the UN Security Council. Are our views and those of the EU as a whole about the need for this to stop being heard?

I would also like to speak about overseas development aid. Can the Minister clarify exactly where the €10 million increase went? It has been acknowledged that there has been a decrease in percentage terms. We are moving further away from the 0.7% target.

How will the Minister and Government move back towards the 0.7% target?

I was at the launch of a book last night on the work and impact of Irish missionaries through Misean Cara. It has to be acknowledged that our missionaries were Irish aid before there was Irish Aid. The work they did to ensure our reputation when it comes to providing aid is being undermined by the way in which we are buying into certain trade agreements. We are not looking at the impact of those trade agreements on the countries of the global south and beyond and their ability to feed themselves. These trade agreements can have a detrimental effect on the ability of countries to feed themselves. It is leading to rural flight. Can we do a human rights assessment, as the Danish group Arla has, of the effects of EU and Irish investments, particularly agricultural investments? They are having a bad effect on African farms and farmers. The line we are taking on trade is inconsistent with our Irish Aid policy.

My final point is on Cuba. It was good to see it included in the Minister's speech but the economic, commercial and financial blockade of Cuba continues and is having a detrimental effect on Cuban society. It is great that President Higgins will go to Cuba in February. Ireland is part of the resolution to ban the blockade but are we doing enough? Will this also bring about a real change that will see the sanctions being lifted? Will it have an impact on our banks' ability to do business with Cuba because at the moment they cannot? If there is any account in an Irish bank with the word Cuba in it, it is stopped. I would like the Minister's response to that. Are there plans for a trade mission to Cuba at some stage? How can we have one if the banking issues continue and America is telling Irish banks with whom they may do business.