Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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We bandy the word "crisis" about far too often, but this is beyond a crisis. Much to our shame, we are having an impact on what other people are living with. Our actions are having a very real and tangible impact on other people's ability to simply stay alive. The disproportionate impact of climate change, whether it involves conflict, drought, flooding or the need for humanitarian aid, needs to be called out. It needs to be carried out in area 4 If possible. Ultimately, the potential global impact is much greater than what most people realise. Our actions and other people's suffering have potential on a global scale, and the response needs to be global.

Deputy John Brady mentioned a very good example of where the global response failed, and that was in respect of access to vaccines when required. We must not allow that again. Mr. Byrne mentioned simple economics earlier. Another simple economic fact is that one cannot do more with less; it is just not possible. One may stand still for a period but certainly will not be able to do more. More needs to be done.

I have a specific question for Ms Sidi. I may have misheard her when she referred to a hunger season. I would like her to correct me if I picked her up incorrectly. We have four seasons in our world. Have we now got to the point where hunger lasts for a season as an everyday eventuality in people's lives? Seasons last for three months. Is this issue planned for?

The question I have is in some ways rather simple but it is important to ask it. There has been talk of the UN Security Council. Last April, there was the on-boarding session that Ireland hosted at the Security Council to develop a greater understanding of conflict and hunger. It is important to do that work but understanding an issue and taking action to address it are very different. From an Irish perspective, I see a need for us to act immediately to address the problem facing us. Also, we have a very important role in prevention and long-term intervention. Regarding the response to the threat multipliers, irrespective of whether they relate to nutrition, hunger or security, is there a greater or new role emerging for Ireland in addition to the existing one and the aid already made available? How do we harness the knowledge and influence we have to meet the new and emerging needs?

The delegation was absolutely correct to call out the disproportionate impact on women and children. Very often, they are the first to be impacted upon, but they are also the last to benefit from any positive and meaningful change.