David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I commend the Leader on the new question-and-answer format introduced yesterday for the debate on agriculture and fisheries. Although it could benefit from some tweaking, it was a worthwhile exercise both for Members and for the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Simon Coveney. My party is supportive of the new format and I hope it will be incorporated into future debates. What struck me was that Members were more direct in their questioning, to which the Minister had an opportunity to respond directly, rather than merely making statements, which is what leads to the House being labelled a talking shop. It is a welcome departure.

There are serious concerns regarding the situation in parts of east Africa where tens of millions are suffering and there is the prospect of death on a massive scale. The former President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms Mary Robinson, said yesterday that the situation is far worse than people realise. I commend the work done by Ms Robinson in this area. The UN has officially declared a famine in the region, the first time it has done so in 19 years, as the region suffers its worst drought in 60 years. I echo the calls that have been made in the House for Ms Robinson to be invited to the Chamber to discuss Ireland's role in supporting developing countries.

We need to consider what role the State, and its citizens, can play in assisting people in the region. It is appalling that they are still living in these types of conditions in the 21st century. Every effort must be made by the State to help the people in the region. Aid organisations such as Trócaire and Concern are doing their best, but every assistance should be afforded by the State. I ask the Leader to convey that message to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Eamon Gilmore, and his colleagues. It would be useful for the Tánaiste to come to the Chamber for a discussion on Ireland's leading role in advocating on behalf of people in the developing world and to discuss all of the issues associated with that. I ask the Leader to accommodate these two debates after the recess. In the meantime, the urgency of the situation in eastern Somalia means that every assistance must be given by the State to those who are suffering.