Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The tropical cyclone 11 days ago was one of the strongest ever recorded. It is estimated that 13 million people or over 10% of the population of the Philippines were directly affected. I take the opportunity to compliment the Tánaiste and the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Joe Costello, on the rapid response of the Government in directing the release of very necessary aid funding. It was also heartening to see, at churches and other collection centres last weekend, the great response of the Irish people to this humanitarian disaster. I also compliment the Irish NGOs that are working with local sister organisations and have people working in the field. I commend them for their work.

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