Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach. Like other Members of the Upper House, I thank our guests for their generosity of time and making themselves available in what is an innovative exercise, which I believe will be here to stay.

Do they believe the EU's voice is being heard and that it is doing sufficiently enough in the area of world peace? It was a triggering cornerstone for the very foundation of the Union. It should be a force for good. It is a peace project and at its heart should be humanitarian support.

Very recently we had the shocking development in Afghanistan. Not only was it an abandonment of people, but it was also done in such an abrupt way with no consideration for those on the ground. Is there greater potential for the EU's voice to be heard? I am opposed to militarisation but I am very enthusiastic for the great population and potential power of good that the EU can be, and for it to be centre stage in that regard. Was it properly consulted? The US and UN were involved, and I heard of Britain, but what about the potential for the EU to be front and centre of the humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan? I would love to hear our guests' views on that.