Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Minister on his return to the Department of Finance. I raise a matter related to that raised by Deputy Duncan Smith. We have heard a lot in recent years about the fact that the planet's poorest people have suffered as a result of the ravages of climate change but the geopolitical situation that we find ourselves in now has rejuvenated and turbocharged the arms race. As we in Europe in particular justifiably and understandably seek to spend more and more on defence, will the Minister assure us that the commitment in the programme for Government that we will defend the funds we have ring-fenced for development aid will be protected? How will the Minister use his enormous influence in the European Union to ensure other member states of the Union protect their funds reserved for development aid too?

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