Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

That is a pity because I have been taking notes. I thank the House. This has been a good debate with careful and thoughtful contributions as before. I appreciate this because it helps inform the Department's plans for its contribution. I concur that the development of Iraq is dependent on a safe and secure environment. Kofi Annan has said there can be no development without peace and security, as is the case with every country we visit.

I strongly support the view that Iraqis must assume control of their own destiny as soon as possible and I am heartened by the view that the UN must play a central one. Senator Brian Hayes spoke about the ongoing debate about UN reform, with which I was involved last week at a time when Deputies were being criticised for not working. I was playing a role at UN level last week and there is serious engagement with this level of reform. I mentioned our successful involvement in East Timor, where we had international support from the UN. I also mentioned that Liberia has been involved in an horrific conflict for 15 years. However, a peace process is in place with all the elements centrally involved, including the UN and Ireland, and from my involvement in this case, I know we can do a good job. The engagement with Liberia is a difficult, high-risk one, but there is a pathway to peace with which we can work.

Iraq has proved a controversial debate with many differing opinions but I am impressed by the way in which opinions across the political divide are coming together about the need to move forward. We will continue to do what we do best, namely, provide humanitarian and development aid. The Senator is correct to suggest that Ireland can play a useful political role at UN level. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has often said that we are the UN – we are a part of the UN – and it is not an institution upon which we call when there is a problem. My role, as Minister of State with responsibility for development issues, is to help to build and shape the involvement of the UN in Iraq. Our involvement in Liberia is more clear-cut. There is a clear aim towards elections in 2005, but our role in Iraq is not as clear-cut. We know what we are good at and what we can do. There are many other issues to which I would like to refer. Senator Tuffy spoke about human rights and the training of the police and the Judiciary. These are important areas which we will consider.

I referred earlier to the budget. Thanks to the support of the Government, this House and the public, Development Co-operation Ireland now has a huge budget amounting to approximately €450 million. This gives the Department and me flexibility when it comes to humanitarian support. I will ensure that money is well spent, particularly in Africa. That is my answer to those who suggest there is a danger that we will lose focus in Africa. I know Africa well. I have a strong association with the continent, especially sub-Saharan Africa, and I have the flexibility to ensure we continue to focus on Africa.