Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

We are known for that around the world. I am very proud of it. It is a consistent policy of my party to be as generous as possible because we know it is necessary in many of these countries. I am very proud of the work that our Department does, working with both Irish and local people on the ground in foreign countries. The very issues Deputy Ó Laoghaire raised will be on the agenda of the G20 in South Africa, where Ireland is a guest this year, and at the EU-African Union summit. The position of Ireland, as the Deputy knows, is very progressive on this. We want to see these countries allowed to blossom from under the weight of all the various burdens they have, including debt.

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