Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

I am sure the Minister of State accepts €150,000 is a rather derisory figure in one sense. In Liberia, Kosovo, Lebanon and elsewhere the humanitarian element of the work of our missions has been hugely important. It has helped our troops gain the trust and confidence of local people. In Liberia and Kosovo the Defence Forces have built schools and hospitals and have been involved in other very important community projects. However, they had to fundraise to get some of the money necessary for such work. They had to seek sponsorship in their communities despite the fact that we spend almost €1 billion on overseas aid. This does not seem to make sense.

Humanitarian work constitutes an important part our Defence Forces' missions so I ask that the Department of Defence consider providing more funding. The Defence Forces are not on missions in very many areas but I ask that they receive more generous overseas aid support in such places. This would be very simple, in view of the good work they do. Collecting money for projects in areas in which they operate has put a burden on the Defence Forces.

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