Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I agree with Senator Hannigan in respect of the reduction in the overseas aid budget. I spoke to a number of representatives from Dóchas recently and, like many people, they accepted that the budget would cause pain and were realistic that certain cuts would have to be made. Like many others in the aid sector, however, they will be horrified with regard to the extent of the cuts that have been made on this occasion. I recently inquired of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin, as to whether Ireland would remain focused on reaching its target of contributing 0.7% of GDP to overseas aid. I was unable to obtain clarity from the Minister in respect of that and it is clear we are moving in the opposite direction.

Like many other Senators, I have taken the approach that things which might seem extremely unfair will have to happen in short term if we are to deal properly with the economic crisis. However, this move to reduce overseas aid cannot escape censure because a disproportionate cut has been made on this occasion. We must ask an obvious question, namely, whether people will lose their lives as a result of this development. Everything is relative and a high priority must be attached to the suffering of people in other parts of the world who depend on our solidarity and support. This is a deeply regrettable move and I hope we will discuss it in more detail in due course.