Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Replies to parliamentary questions showed it. I know that all of the foreign aid budget is not dealt with by the Minister of State's Department and some of it comes from other Departments. Until we get back on our feet, this country should cut foreign aid spending for a period of three years, carry out a comprehensive review and ensure that our own people who are struggling to put food on the table are given a reprieve. That is not too much to ask. Is the money being spent well? According to all of the evidence and information coming into America, the UK and Ireland, it is not being spent well. I am not questioning the Minister of State's authority as he is new in the post - Fianna Fáil Ministers were there in the past - but no Minister, irrespective of his or her party, can say that all of that money is spent in a way which benefits Joe or Sally in the street of Zimbabwe who does not have enough clothes or food today because the money is not going directly to those people. That is why I have an issue with it.