Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Taoiseach for his response. I heard some of the remarks made by Merck Sharp & Dohme at the event in Carlow that the Taoiseach attended last Monday. The point was also made in respect of the quality and the range of infrastructure available. An unintended consequence of the economic difficulties we face has been the drop in construction costs. Over the past number of years many firms have pointed out to me their dismay at the exceptionally high level of inflated construction costs which was not an incentive to locate here in the first place purely from the physical infrastructural point of view. It is important that the Taoiseach bear in mind the cost increases incurred in energy, transport and communications for firms such as this one and for all firms which are above average. The Government should see to it that where possible these costs are kept to a minimum.

When the Taoiseach attended the United Nations function he launched the Government's task force report on hunger. That made three specific points, namely, the need to increase agricultural production in Africa, the need to target maternal and child under-nutrition and the need to bring about changes in governance and leadership priorities. Arising from that, the recommendation made to Government was that we should work towards an indicative target of 20% of overseas development aid going towards the alleviation and eradication of hunger. In fairness to Government, it has maintained impetus towards achievement of the target of 0.7% of GNP in terms of overseas development aid. Does the Taoiseach see a point where 20% of overseas development aid from our resources will be targeted towards alleviation and eradication of hunger?

Concerning the election yesterday in the United States, given President-elect Obama's roots his presidency will have a considerable capacity to transform the continent of Africa. His being able to tap the frustrations of millions of people into the democratic cause can have a real impact on the kind of report that the Taoiseach launched at the UN. Is the Taoiseach happy that the current methods of expenditure and the impact achieved are what we wish to see in respect of those persons from Ireland who give of their time and money?

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