Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

We can hold our heads up high on our position.

During my time as envoy, I have tried to make a contract between developed and developing countries, the core issue in the Monterey consensus. I have insisted that the EU be part of a contract with Africa when it comes to the table to discuss increased levels of ODA. The EU, which some people denigrate, has blazed a trail on ODA. As a result of the decision made at European Council level some weeks ago, the EU, between now and 2010, will increase ODA into Africa in particular by €20 billion.

We must secure a contract between the EU and the African Union to bring development to the continent. I agree with Deputy Michael D. Higgins, many African states have made dramatic changes in governance and it is wrong to criticise them. We must help them and that is why part of our aid goes to good governance and the building of capacity in these nations. I accept what Deputy Michael D. Higgins said about the Irish United Nations Association and we have dramatically increased funding to it.

Deputy Allen raised recent events in Ethiopia. We have condemned what happened both through the EU and on our own. The Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, called in the chargé d'affaires on 10 June and made clear our concern on the matter. We are talking to other countries that donate aid to Ethiopia to examine where we might go.

See this speech in context