Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

It is clear that Major General Pat Nash is following a tremendous tradition of Army officers who have led serious missions. I wish him well in that regard. It is good that the Army, which has such a tremendous reputation, is being given an opportunity to undertake such important roles. This is not a political point.

Having listened to the previous speakers, I was interested in Deputy Barrett's comments and particularly impressed by Deputy Chris Andrews's knowledge of this issue. I am sure I am not supposed to mention the Leas-Cheann Comhairle in a speech but, like me, he is a member of the Association of European Parliamentarians for Africa. He does great work as the vice-president of that organisation. Deputy Barrett's contribution reminded us that there are difficulties on the continent of Africa. I have not had many opportunities to go to Africa, although the previous Minister of State with responsibility for overseas aid was always happy to offer to send me abroad if I wanted to go anywhere, but I was too busy.

In the past 12 years I have visited a number of African countries. I travelled to Zambia in a private capacity in 1995 and I served on an election mission along with former Senator Fergal Browne, who I am sorry to say is no longer a Member of the Oireachtas. He and I went to Ethiopia and I have also been to a couple of other African countries.

Even though this is a motion to do with defence matters, we should remember the difficulties being experienced in African countries. Ireland is now a significant player in both European and world politics and it has an opportunity to contribute to solving these difficulties. I hope Ireland will continue to play such a role. I am confident that under the stewardship of the Minister, Deputy O'Dea, this will be the case.

I welcome the Acting Chairman, Deputy Cregan to the Chair.

See this speech in context