Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)

I agree with Deputy Ó Fearghaíl. I have asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs to engage in talks on the Israeli-Palestinian crisis and I welcome his raising the matter with the President of the United States when he was here. There is much cynicism about international travel but we can make no apologies for it if it concerns international aid. We must have the full support of the House in terms of the Minister of State engaging proactively in trade missions and furthering Ireland's fantastic role. Ireland has had a great track record in international affairs and interventions having learned from its own experience of conflict. It has used its respect and standing in this regard positively.

There have been attacks on Ireland's reputation recently, and we began this session talking about them. Ireland's reputation with regard to conflict resolution and human rights is second to none. Ireland has had wonderful civil servants over the years. I urge the Minister of State to lead from the front using recent experience of Ireland's own conflict and others. She will have the full support of Members on this side of the House when travelling as much as she can throughout the world to promote the aforementioned message and when engaging in trade missions.

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