Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)

That is positive. I acknowledge the work of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, in the Association for European Parliamentarians with Africa, AWEPA. He has done a great deal to ensure the word "oversight" is included. I would hate to see his work undone.

I welcome that Deputy Breen will attend the parliamentary forum. It would be a great boost were the Tánaiste able to ask or encourage the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, to attend as well, as her presence would give credence to our involvement with parliamentarians. Some 50 parliamentarians from the global south will attend, 20 of whom will be brought by AWEPA. Were the Minister of State able to attend, it would be a positive step.

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