Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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This has been the most stark presentation the committee has received during my two years as Chair. I recall how useful the engagement was this time last year in terms of our preparation for budgets. I dare say the challenges this year are even more acute. I acknowledge what members have said. In particular I want to refer to the brief but strong contribution of Deputy Cowen. He said clearly that Ireland has a duty and a responsibility to act in these circumstances. So does the committee.

I acknowledge the work of Irish Aid and all of the associated agencies and the leadership of the Department of Foreign Affairs in this regard. I acknowledge the most positive contribution of Dóchas and all of the NGO development organisations under its umbrella. We propose to draft a brief report in the form of a submission to the Government, the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs. This is to outline to them in the context of the budgetary preparations, if indeed it is necessary to do so, the need to ensure, in the words of Mr. O'Brien, that Ireland continues to punch above its weight in circumstances that are most challenging.

I acknowledge what Ireland continues to do at the UN Security Council. In particular I reference what Ms Van Lieshout said, that perhaps not all of the resolutions are successful but that is not to say they are meaningless. At a number of levels, there remain opportunities for us to strongly commit and to influence. I acknowledge what Ireland is doing on the International Fund for Agricultural Development. Often we hear of the need to address the causes rather than the symptoms. Sometimes this is even more challenging when we hear statistics on record drought. Nevertheless it is important that we share our leadership in the area of expertise in these pursuits. There is the work Ireland is doing on Nutrition for Growth in terms of funding and expertise. There is also the good and positive relationship between Ireland and the World Food Programme and the many Irish experts who are part of the World Food Programme.

I thank the witnesses for sharing their concerns with us. This meeting has been timely. It is very important that we hear from the witnesses on the very serious challenge that lies ahead in attempting to tackle the multiple crises across the continent from the Horn of Africa to west Africa. In particular to Ms Sidi I say how grateful we are to her for joining us from the front line in Niger. We acknowledge her work and wish her continued good fortune in the challenges she deals with on a daily basis. We also wish her colleagues well under the stewardship of Ms McKenna in Ireland. I thank the witnesses for being with us. We will be happy to share our submission to the Government with them as soon as we have it prepared. It will certainly be well in advance of any agreement on Estimates or budgets the Government might contemplate.