Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

Gabhaim buíochas le gach duine. I share in both Senators' horror at what has happened to these beautiful little children and their teaching staff. I thank the Senators for raising this important issue and share the deep concern they expressed at the horrific news of the large-scale abduction of over 300 children and 12 teachers from St. Mary's Catholic school in Nigeria last Friday.I also acknowledge separate abductions of school children which have happened in recent weeks. Unfortunately, this is not something new in Nigeria. I welcome the news on Tuesday of the release of 24 children recently abducted from a separate school in Kebbi state. First and foremost, my thoughts are with the abducted children and teachers from St Mary's. The majority of the children who were abducted from St Mary's are very young, of primary school age, and I know I am not alone in expressing my grave concern for their welfare. The news that 50 of the children escaped and have been safely returned to their families is most welcome, and my sincere hope is that the remaining 253 schoolchildren and 12 staff members will be swiftly reunited with their families. I am thinking of the parents and loved ones of all those taken. Their worry and anguish is unimaginable.

Many parts of Nigeria, particularly rural and semi-urban areas, do not have a significant police presence, which makes the task of providing security to populations in those areas challenging. Ireland, bilaterally and as a member state of the EU, works with the Nigerian authorities and with UN and international partners to promote peace and security in areas affected by armed groups and insecurity. The severity of last Friday’s event and the severe escalation in violent attacks and mass kidnappings which has been experienced in Nigeria over recent weeks has been recognised by the Government of Nigeria. We understand that all efforts are being made to locate and secure the release of the abducted students and staff members of St Mary's School. The recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers, announced by the President of Nigeria is welcome, as are plans by the federal government to upgrade police training facilities nationwide. The President's decision not to attend the G20 Summit and the AU-EU Summit is indicative of the extent of the security issues being faced and the intent of the President to address these.

As Members will be well aware, Ireland has a long history in Nigeria, not least through the work of many Irish missionaries. I am aware in particular of the close links of Irish missionaries to St Mary's School, and both Senators outlined that very eloquently this morning. Our ambassador and our team at the Irish embassy are liaising closely, and at a high level, with relevant contacts in Nigeria and are continuously monitoring the situation. The team there is liaising closely with EU colleagues on the ground.

People-to-people ties between Ireland and Nigeria date back to the early 19th century when Irish missionaries first arrived in Nigeria. The connection with St Mary's, which was alluded to regarding the nun from Donegal, does give us an extra role of responsibility in supporting, as an Irish Government, in this time of strife. Nigerian political figures regularly pay tribute to the role of Irish missionaries in the development of the country, particularly in the education and health sectors. I express my appreciation for the role missionaries have played in supporting the education of so many children across Nigeria.

I assure both Senators that the Government is committed to working alongside all relevant partners and with the Nigerian authorities to support St Mary's School and all those affected by this gravely concerning situation. We will continue to prioritise strengthening peace and security in Nigeria and the broader region.