Mary Henry (Independent)

When the Government was seeking election to a seat on the UN Security Council, Irish diplomats went all over the world, particularly to developing countries, looking for votes. Ireland received a huge vote and was subsequently elected to the Security Council. Our commitment regarding development aid was important in securing those votes and I support calls for a debate on this issue. Recently, there was an excellent debate at the committee on foreign affairs. Further support for the new Minister of State would be given if the Seanad showed it was behind the commitment of 0.7% of GNP to development aid.