Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I thank Members for their questions. There is no doubt but that the Ethiopian model can be used by neighbouring states. Members will recall that during the time of "Live Aid" millions of people in Ethiopia were dying. Now, because of work done by NGOs, in particular the active role played by Irish Aid, Irish NGOs and funding provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, a safety net programme has been put in place, which is being replicated throughout Ethiopia and is helping to prevent recurring famine. This is something we would like to see extended to other areas.

Somalia and Sudan, in particular south Sudan, are bedevilled by ongoing conflict, which makes it difficult for small NGOs to gain access and for the putting in place of any consistent programme that will deal with irrigation, food shortages and so on. As stated by Deputy Mac Lochlainn, Ethiopia is to be complimented on the manner in which has dealt with its situation, in which Irish Aid has been very much involved.

On Libya, which is a totally different issue, if Deputy Wallace wishes to table a parliamentary question on the matter, I would be delighted to answer it. I will look closely at the issue of prisoners and prisoners rights and will come back to the Deputy on the matter.

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