David Norris (Independent)

I am very grateful for the flexibility. I agree it is absurd and a complete nonsense to deal with a continent such as Africa in one hour. As the only African-born Member of the House, I have a particular stake and interest. The continent of Africa is a disaster. Robert Mugabe, for example, is a criminal who is destroying his country. Under the previous leadership of Nelson Mandela, South Africa was held up as an example but now Thabo Mbeke is in power. One must seriously question the leadership of somebody who denies a relationship between the human immune deficiency virus and AIDS and suggests that AIDS can be cured by eating beetroot. It is a complete and utter nonsense.

I am interested in the dispute between the Minister of State and one of his own Senators. It revolves around the area of Uganda and recognition. I support Senator Mooney's argument and I also support GOAL. I note that moves have been made in this direction and €10 million of aid has been redirected.

I was born in the Congo. It is unspeakable to think that 4 million people have been killed. That is equal to the population of Ireland. There has been intervention from places such as Rwanda and Uganda. Uganda has no naturally-occurring mineral deposits of diamonds yet they are one of its largest exports. The diamonds are being raped out of the Democratic Republic of Congo and that is insupportable. For that reason there are very large questions to be answered about the operation of Irish aid in this area.

I presume the Minister of State is in contact with the Congolese-Irish Partnership. I hope the partnership has sent him the kind of detailed documentation I have seen. Despite the flexibility demonstrated in the House, there is not time to read it into the record of the House. The partnership has provided me with information on the city of Kisangani, lower and upper Ieli, Ituri and northern Kivu. There is a series of documented abuses, many involving Rwandan troops with named personnel. Other tragic situations are documented such as the incursion of stock breeders from Chad destroying the natural farming methods of the people. Time after time, one must refer to Rwanda. I apologise for the sketchy nature of this contribution but I understand the Minister of State has to leave and my colleague, Senator Mansergh wishes to speak. The House should have a full debate on this issue.