Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Events in Sudan since the Taoiseach’s return from the European Council represent a tragedy for the people of Sudan, first and foremost. I am sure the Taoiseach will join me in welcoming the announcement of a 72-hour ceasefire. It would be appropriate to commend and thank all those who have been involved in bringing a sizeable number of Irish citizens in Sudan to safety already. I understand there is still in excess of 100 citizens still to be evacuated. I would appreciate it if the Taoiseach could provide an update on that. It would also be appropriate to thank our European colleagues who have assisted in the evacuation efforts to date.

An issue that again has been highlighted is the deficiency with some of the equipment and resources of the Defence Forces. I understand a deposit was paid in December on a cargo plane that would have provided us with much greater airlift capacity. Will the Taoiseach also update the Dáil on the progress of that acquisition?

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