Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)

As Senator Ó Murchú pointed out, this country is well aware of the consequences of disaster. Having gone through the Famine, this has inspired us as a nation to help others in the sort of situation in which Haiti now finds itself. One of the most telling remarks in the entire history of the Irish Famine was uttered by that famous Englishman, Lord Trevelyan, when he decided to cut all aid and said that the situation in Ireland would be left to the operation of natural causes. This condemned many millions of Irish people to their graves. As a result, the Irish people even in this time of recession will once again step up to the mark. The Minister of State made an important point about the need for both immediate and long-term action. When Haiti is no longer making the 6 o'clock or 9 o'clock news or the newspaper headlines, there will be a need for a long-term agency to oversee not only the rebuilding of the infrastructure but also the rebuilding of the Government of Haiti. Unfortunately, Haiti does not have a great history of good governance and it is one of the poorest countries in the world. This earthquake has shaken it back into the Stone Age.

There has been some criticism of the response but the response is never good enough and it is never fast enough. On the Order of Business on another day, I commended the United States on its efforts. Too often the United States is lambasted for its actions but when it does good on behalf of people near and far, it should be praised for its efforts. Cuba and the Dominican Republic are playing a significant role in assisting the delivery of aid from Trócaire, GOAL and Concern to those who need it most. Trócaire has been in Haiti since 1991 and much of its good work is now in ruins but will need to be rebuilt again. The second airlift announced by the Minister of State is to be welcomed. However, it is the Haiti of ten years' hence which will be decided in March. Ireland will be represented by the Minister of State who will make his views known. Whether the UN or a European, American or Caribbean effort will be decided upon, it is certain that an agency with a powerful chief executive will be required to elicit the funds which are currently being pledged. Too often it is the case that funds are pledged but the cheques are never written. A person of the calibre of Bill Clinton, who showed his concern for Haiti, would be needed to lead in the rebuilding of the country. The Minister of State's suggestion of a dedicated and well-funded agency is what is required in the long term.