Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I am excited about the developing relationship on this issue between the United States and Ireland, which involves the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. Both countries are very complementary in this area. The United States is a major donor, while Ireland is a relatively small one, although we have a history of hunger lack of food security through the Great Famine. This is a great opportunity to link a relatively small programme with a huge programme to achieve real results on the ground. We have two winning partners with real synergies involved. It complements the hunger task force's recommendation to advocate internationally and bring on board global donors, thus bringing their efforts to bear on the food security and hunger initiatives. By collaborating with the US and bringing it on board with the hunger agenda, it means that those who need and deserve that help, in sub-Saharan Africa especially, will get it from a major donor.

In Malawi, we will be battling climate change in so far as it affects agricultural production, with a special focus on water irrigation projects. Those matters are very important for small-holder farmers in Malawi. The US already has a great partnership with Malawi. In combining our efforts in such projects, we are giving action to tackle hunger the absolute priority it deserves. In addition, we are demonstrating to the international community that because big donors and global leaders such as the US, with all the influence they can bring to bear on the world stage, are taking hunger and food security seriously, others should do so as well.

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