Hildegarde Naughton (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Further to our debate earlier this year, I wish to note that it is hoped that the terrible predicament of the schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram in Nigeria is coming closer to resolution. The papers at the weekend reported a spokesperson for Nigeria's national information centre saying that resolution is inching closer, although he did not wish to put a date on it. Despite last week's announcement of a ceasefire, it is still a very delicate situation. One security source reported that many of these girls are in camps scattered along the vast desert bordering Chad, an area that has very little reach from either Nigeria or Chad. Given the very fragmented nature of Boko Haram, a resolution is far from certain. I am sure the Leader and Members here will join with me in hoping for the most positive outcome in the shortest possible time for these girls.