Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is much that we could discuss, but it would be better to keep today focused on what was raised on the Order of Business, namely, the children's kidnapping and how to get them released as speedily as possible. "Boko Haram" means "Western education is forbidden". The girls were in school, which is every girl's right even if Boko Haram disagrees. Senator Walsh went into the detail, so I will not repeat it, but we will not fix today all that is wrong with education in Nigeria and Boko Haram's perception of same. Rather, this motion tries to ensure a speedy release of the 300 abducted girls. Some 53 escaped. They were the lucky ones. It is difficult for the remaining parents. The video released last night showed some of the children. I heard on radio this morning that one of the mothers had recognised her daughter in that video. How truthful is the video about all of them still being alive? I hope they are.

The Boko Haram leader has stated that the children will be held imprisoned until the militants are free. It is a trade. Initially, the interior Minister stated that it would be absurd even to negotiate or to do a deal with a terrorist group. If I were a parent in such a situation, I would climb up the side of a mountain and do any deal possible to get my children released. Later, I heard on radio that the interior Minister had stated that everything was on the table. It is important that everything be on the table before anything is ruled out. If this situation is let go, it will be the thin end of the wedge. As Senator Walsh stated, none of this started yesterday. Rather, it started way back.

All modern technology must be used. We are known as a country with expertise and we have Google, Facebook and every other IT company. The GPS system, satellites and everything else must be used to ensure the children are found. The US and other countries have sent technical experts. We cannot even imagine competing with that. However, the violent campaign must be condemned and we must ensure that every country, no matter how small, does everything it can.