Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I commend the Minister of State on her response to this issue and her spirited defence of those who have been attacking the Irish Aid programme in recent times. Given the importance of bringing home to the Irish people the seriousness of circumstances in many locations, such as Western Sahara, where Irish aid is being provided, will she and the Minister for Foreign Affairs consider undertaking a number of visits to critical locations around the world so we can emphasise again to the Irish the importance of maintaining the aid budget, notwithstanding the difficulties we are experiencing?

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