Shay Brennan (Dublin Rathdown, Fianna Fail)
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Rather than get into the specifics too much, I just want to focus on the climate-related aspect of this Vote. I know there is a target there to take spending to €225 million. In a broader sense, though - and we had this discussion at a separate committee meeting in relation to ODA - there is the need less developed nations have not only for debt forgiveness but for debt forgiveness based on making reparations for the impacts of general climate change and how that is impacting those countries. I refer to attempts to put a dollar value on this aspect. I would not mind getting the Tánaiste's thoughts on debt forgiveness in general.

Equally, earlier in the meeting, he referred to the actual cost of paying interest and how the interest service burden is taking from the general current expenditure ability of certain countries. I have noted that private funds are lending to these countries, and that this accounts for roughly about 50% of their borrowing. It is coming in at an interest rate of anything up to 16%. I believe some of these funds are operating through the IFSC in Dublin and this is something it is difficult to lift the cover on and get in behind. I wonder if the Tánaiste is aware of this matter. To bring all those issues together, I would like to get the Tánaiste's thoughts on debt forgiveness, climate reparations and on the interest rates being applied by private funds, especially how this pertains to Ireland.