Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will make a few observations on the amendment proposed by Senators Grace O'Sullivan and Higgins. In regard to the proposed section 4(2), I raised the issue of membership on Second Stage. I note the Minister of State indicated this is currently being worked out. Perhaps he would give a commitment today that once the structure for the appointment of an Irish representative has been put in place and an initial appointee has been selected, he will update the House in that regard.

On the proposed subsection 4(1)(a) to (g), I would have thought the growing European dimension to the fund would bring a level of comfort in respect of many of these areas.It is welcome. In his contribution on Second Stage, the Minister made specific reference to the general view that contributions to the bank can be counted as a percentage of our official development assistance target. That would come with the normal criteria which Ireland applies across a range of areas. I expect that many of the issues Senators Grace O'Sullivan and Alice-Mary Higgins have raised here can be dealt with. I would hope that the Senators would act in the spirit of the Bill and that a vote would not arise on this Bill.