Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs - 13th February 2007

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs - 13th February 2007
Chairman: Apologies have been received from Deputy Allen. I remind members and those in the Gallery to ensure that their mobile phones are switched off completely for the duration of the meeting as they cause interference with the recording equipment even when on silent mode.
The minutes of the meeting of 30 January 2007 have been circulated. Are the minutes agreed?
Senator Norris: Circulated with the minutes was a document which questionned if everybody thought the announcement of the rapid deployment force under the heading of Dóchas by the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Conor Lenihan, was a good thing. The information outlined is not accurate. Concern and GOAL are both unhappy as they feel they are fishing in the same pond. The material circulated represents only one side of the story and gives the impression that everybody thinks the idea is wonderful. While it may be, two of the principal agencies in the area disagree.
Chairman: We can discuss correspondence after the public session.
Senator Norris: I am afraid I will be at the Order of Business in the Seanad. That is why I slid in.
Chairman: You have had the opportunity to make the point.
Senator Norris: Thank you.

Mozambique Aid Programme: Discussion with Irish Aid and Concern


Senator Norris: Regrettably, some members will be obliged to attend the Order of Business in the Seanad. On their behalf, will the Chairman or another member ask the agencies - Concern, in particular - their view, if any, on the proposed rapid response corps? It will have a direct impact because there was talk about professional expertise and a possible conflict of interest. While I am unsure of this, members are interested in ascertaining their attitude in this regard and whether it coincides directly with the Minister’s statements, as well as those of Dóchas which is also respected by all members and appears to be quite happy with it. However, I understand two major organisations appear to have a difficulty in this regard. As I will not be present, can this question be asked of the delegates when the time comes?
Chairman: Yes, the issue can be raised.
Senator Norris: I thank the Chairman.