Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

We are continuing our diplomatic representation in Africa. Late last year we launched an Africa strategy which is aimed at bringing together our diplomatic work in Africa, the aid work, and also bringing into focus the opportunities for trade with Africa. I do not want our aid programme to appear to be entirely mercenary. The reality is that the openings Ireland has got through its aid activity give us advantages when it comes to trading. If one considers the levels of economic growth in some African countries, including countries where we have had a big aid programme, there is great potential for Ireland in the years ahead to be able to convert the goodwill and the contacts we have established through the aid programme into trading and economic opportunities.