Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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I congratulate the Minister of State on his appointment. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is an important Department. It is also important we ring-fence and increase this money for overseas development aid. Sometimes members are asked why Ireland sends so much money abroad when we need some at home. A number of years ago, I visited some of our projects in Africa. I met 12 members of parliament in Zambia, eight of whom had been taught by Irish missionaries. It is important we acknowledge that. We stayed in a town in the middle of Zambia, whose name I cannot think of. The town was pitch dark as there were no street lights. We were told not to leave our hotel but I wanted to sample the local beer.

Around the corner from my hotel, I found Delaney's Irish bar. When I walked into the bar, the whole place went silent. A guy asked me where was I from and I said I was a Member of Parliament from Ireland. The man said, "You Irish are very welcome because your missionaries have been very good to us." I ask the Minister of State to outline the co-operation, if any, that takes place between his Department and our missionaries abroad. The tremendous contribution made by Irish missionaries is a huge reason that St. Patrick's Day is celebrated abroad and it is something that should be acknowledged.

We have heard much lately about some agencies and organisations in receipt of State funding being investigated because it is suspected that the money has not been spent correctly. What audit and innovation procedures are in place in the Department to ensure that the money goes where it is needed?

Sadly, when I visited a school in Africa I found that there was only one biro to be shared among all the students.