Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)

I agree with the Deputy's sentiment about the power of social media. This is something we saw in the Arab Spring in particular. I hope it will assist people who otherwise might not have a voice or be in a position to draw the attention of world leaders to issues of such grave international significance.

The European Union is constantly co-ordinating and liaising, especially in this region, and has announced it will provide €9 million for humanitarian assistance to the war-affected population as part of its regional strategy. The EU has a good record and I believe it will be enhanced in the region in the months and years ahead. As a member of the United Nations, Ireland is very much engaged in this issue. The UN, the African Union and the US Administration are co-ordinating to assist national armies in the region to end the scourge of LRA violence - which is a tall order. Last year the US deployed a team of 100 military advisers and experts in order to provide logistical support and build the capacity of the indigenous forces. That is the right approach.

In addition, the Great Lakes regional armed forces recently established a 5,000 strong force under the auspices of the African Union to combat the LRA rebels. Uganda, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic have united under a Ugandan forces commander and will be based in South Sudan.

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