Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I mentioned that certain countries sought kudos in the context of the disaster in Haiti. Others seek kudos and many international organisations are using the opportunity to promote themselves. I agree entirely with what Deputy Timmins said. We are in contact with two agencies, Christian Aid and Concern, yet neither of those was the first to come looking for funds for Haiti or to present themselves as knowing all about the situation there. We need to consider that side of things.

The European Union is the largest global donor in the world, sending around €400 million - close to half a billion euro - in aid to Haiti. Nevertheless, the perception among the public is that the EU is doing scarcely anything and that everything is being done by the United States and by the NGOs. Because of its self-effacement and modesty, the EU is not playing the necessary role as a leader of the humanitarian work that needs to be done after this terrible tragedy. That was the point I was making: not that the European Union should seek kudos per se, but that it is allowing others to do so. The EU should be out in front showing leadership.

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