Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I attended an occasion in London on Saturday morning at which Ireland was commended for its activities in the relief of hunger, in particular under-nutrition and malnutrition. Ireland's activities are recognised the world over by many leaders and representatives from countries where malnutrition and under-nutrition have serious consequences. Ireland was commended for its leadership and global involvement in that regard. Following the decision of the Tánaiste and on behalf of the Government, I was happy to inform the conference that Ireland would double its allocation in dealing with malnutrition and under-nutrition in the period to 2020.

Issues with practical application from breast feeding to the agri-sector, including the dairy sector, are ones we have raised very strongly. Ireland is a non-aligned country. I remind the Deputy, as has been pointed out by former President Clinton on many occasions, that Ireland is one of the few countries which has had personnel at various locations around the world every day since the United Nations was formed to deal with peacekeeping, peace enforcement and humanitarian issues. For a small country, Ireland has made an extraordinary and well regarded contribution during the tenure of all Governments during the years.

I do not have details of the number of flights through Shannon Airport. We have always supported this but never rendition flights. From that point of view, as a non-aligned country with the Tánaiste chairing the General Affairs Council, Ireland has put forward its views very strongly on the recent Council decision on the arms embargo on Syria and on how things should be dealt with at various locations around the world. We are very proud of the contribution we have made and continue to make. In that respect, we do not kowtow to any international power. We have our own views and have never been afraid to express them.

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