As Senators will be aware, this is my second term as Minister of State with responsibility for overseas development and human rights. During the years I have seen at first hand the positive work which is undertaken, both in terms of the long-term development strategies in programme countries and also in relation to more immediate efforts to address emergencies and humanitarian crises worldwide. One of my first actions after taking office was to announce a major programme of humanitarian assistance for southern Africa. I subsequently visited Malawi and Zambia and witnessed at first hand the scale of the food crisis. I will shortly be visiting Ethiopia to examine the worsening situation there. The scale of the challenge in these countries cannot be overstated, nor, I am pleased to say, is it possible to overstate the contribution of Irish NGOs and missionaries on the ground. I have great admiration for their extraordinary commitment and devotion to alleviating the suffering of those less fortunate.