We witnessed a very significant volcanic eruption over the weekend which obliterated the south Pacific island of Hunga Tonga. The eruption generated a tsunami and ash cloud which has devastated the island nation of Tonga. We heard this morning that the first aircraft with relief supplies has arrived from New Zealand and according to the UN, about 84,000 people, more than 80% of the population, have been badly affected by the disaster with the supply of safe drinking water being one of the top issues. Can the Tánaiste please confirm what efforts Ireland, and indeed the European Union, are making as regards the financial aid, and indeed COVAX, to support the population of over 100,000 people on the island nation?

I thank the Deputy for his question. I join the Deputy in expressing my solidarity with the people of Tonga. They have experienced an extraordinary event, a volcanic eruption and a tsunami, which has wrought devastation on that small island state. As the Deputy is aware, Ireland is a member of the international community. As a member of the UN Security Council, we have a particularly special relationship with small island developing states, including Tonga, which were very supportive of us on a number of occasions in the past. We are liaising with the United Nations, with the EU, as well as with our friends in New Zealand, to see if we can help. We are very keen to assist the Tongan people if we can.