Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am happy to speak briefly on this important issue. Ireland's reputation as a leader in international co-operation is historic and globally recognised. Indeed, if international assistance is counted as a vital part of international co-operation, our reputation as a leader predates even this Republic given the medical and educational work carried out by the vast network of members in the Irish missionary tradition. That work continues to this very day. It is a testament to our generosity that Ireland, through its international development agency, Irish Aid, has allocated almost €838 million for official development assistance, representing an increase of just under €21 million on the 2019 budget allocation. As I understand it, this is the sixth consecutive year allocations for overseas development aid have increased. As a compassionate and generous people, we will continue to offer whatever assistance we can to the most deprived as part of our commitment to international development and effective co-operation. It is rightly said to be the one area in which we unequivocally punch above our weight.

I acknowledge the enormous amount of assistance offered by the Minister's Department and office to those stranded abroad during the Covid-19 crisis. We see that some states are now reverting to a closed border arrangement. That will require ongoing international co-operation.

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