Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response.

In working towards achieving that goal of 0.7% of GDP, in light of the upswing in the economy, will the Minister make it his business to ensure that more funding is allocated to the overseas budget? In addition, is he happy and satisfied that every red cent of taxpayers' money is being spent in the most appropriate manner and that there are full checks and balances in place to ensure that the funding is being received by those on the ground who need humanitarian help?

Regarding Syria, has the Minister any comment to make on whether Ireland could take more refugees into the country to help them get on with their lives? There has been considerable persecution out there of Palestinian refugees. The Christian community has been terrorised as well.

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