Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

I can say in the most general way that the Irish Government is fully aware of the situation in Sudan and has been vocal about it for some time. Members opposite have raised this from time to time as well. Significant funding has been given by the Government for humanitarian purposes in Sudan this year, and probably last year. The matter is on the agenda tomorrow at the Foreign Affairs Council. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, will be present. It was on the agenda at the previous Foreign Affairs Council, which I do not attend. The Minister can give an update following the discussion. The Taoiseach is going to the EU–African Union Summit, which I believe is next Monday, and will undoubtedly bring forward a very strong Irish position that is consistent with what he has said as Taoiseach and as foreign Minister previously.

See this speech in context