Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As Deputy Durkan will be aware, this is a challenging and difficult issue. The terrain is extremely difficult, damage is widespread and the priority is to ensure power, water and transport are available. The United Nations has issued an appeal for $423 million in support of the efforts of the Government of Nepal to address the most critical needs of shelter, sanitation and water, emergency health, food and protection. While the circumstances are, therefore, most difficult and challenging, every effort is being made by the international community to ensure the best possible response in the most tragic of circumstances.

See this speech in context