Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Let me continue on the subject of foreign aid. We must proceed very carefully. When circumstances are rough here, it is very easy to consider easy options. I support the call for a debate on foreign aid in the new year. The debate should be balanced. Let us face the fact that Africa had resources that were exploited by the West. Consequently, we are doing a little bit through foreign aid to correct the imbalance and help the natives of African countries to help themselves. We really need to be careful. As Senators Quinn and Mullins said, we, too, have responsibilities. The debate will be interesting.

I join others in expressing horror over the slaughter of innocents at the weekend in Newtown, Connecticut, and the slaughter of the heroic teachers who did their best to defend them. I taught in a school not too far from that area. I can only imagine the warmth, care and love that was interrupted so rudely and harshly by gunfire and slaughter. It would be very wise for the Seanad to send its condolences to the affected families.

A political point needs to be made, namely, that it should not require a tragedy of this scale for governments and politicians to take action. It is only now that something will be done about the gun culture in the United States. Sometimes lobby groups can shout very loudly. People elect politicians and expect them to do what is right and just. Each day in this country, we are challenged in this regard. There is a lot to be learned in a very stark and horrible fashion from what has happened in the United States.