Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

There are two words which are always pertinent to Ireland's situation in the international arena —"governance" and "generosity". We have always been as generous as possible taking into account the resources available and we always ensure governance is a key to ensure resources pledged both by the Government and the people are managed carefully, disbursed properly and get to where they should.

Members will notice that following last year's tsunami and the various other disasters, the Government always pledges a small amount of money immediately as an ad hoc response to an immediate crisis. When it is satisfied governance is in order and that structures are in place so that funds can be managed properly, it then reviews the situation quickly and makes a further decision, if required. Members can be assured that the professional representation we have at the bank and in all the institutions in which we are represented and to which we contribute, governance is always one of the top two priorities along with generosity.