Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I thank the Deputy for the compliments in respect of the activities in which the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is engaged. Certainly, the entire Horn of Africa and Sahel region is difficult. Moreover, it is bedevilled by conflicts in Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan and by the number of displaced people, the dangers of famine and the disruption that is taking place. Furthermore, it is affecting the neighbouring countries and the Deputy mentioned Ethiopia, which has been consistent in minding its borders carefully in this regard. The Department is working closely with the United Nations and the European Union on these matters. Ireland undoubtedly has played a quite significant role in this respect. Since 2008, Ireland has given €28 million to the Horn of Africa-Sahel region, including the area encompassing South Sudan and Sudan. In addition, Ireland has funded its NGOs, which have limited access to the area but which are working in extremely difficult circumstances. I certainly compliment them on the work they are doing. The European Union called last month on the warring partners, the Liberation Army in South Sudan and the Sudanese forces, to come to the table and use the comprehensive peace process of 2005 to resolve their difficulties.

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