Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)

As with the Minister of State, I availed of the opportunity to meet representatives of the Congolese community late last year, listen to their concerns and learn of their expertise as Congolese citizens. The circumstances are deeply alarming. I welcome the tone of the Minister of State's comments. What is occurring is an appalling tragedy when one considers the vast natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It would be of benefit if these resources could be deployed for Congolese citizens.

What support can we give to the Congolese community in Dublin? Would the Minister of State acknowledge that the indiscriminate violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo poses a serious threat to Congolese lives? The Congolese citizens in Dublin wish to have this acknowledged.

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