I congratulate the Minister on his return to the Department of Finance. I raise a matter related to that raised by Deputy Duncan Smith. We have heard a lot in recent years about the fact that the planet's poorest people have suffered as a result of the ravages of climate change but the geopolitical situation that we find ourselves in now has rejuvenated and turbocharged the arms race. As we in Europe in particular justifiably and understandably seek to spend more and more on defence, will the Minister assure us that the commitment in the programme for Government that we will defend the funds we have ring-fenced for development aid will be protected? How will the Minister use his enormous influence in the European Union to ensure other member states of the Union protect their funds reserved for development aid too?

It is really important we have two Deputies here today raising an issue that is so important to global welfare and to many countries that need further support at this time of difficulty. Deputy Ó Fearghaíl asked two questions. The first is about our commitment. I confirm that we will uphold the commitments we have at the moment. Unfortunately, that is not the case for every country at the moment due to the pressure they face, but we will protect the commitments we have to investment in multilateral bodies and our overseas development aid. In conjunction with the Minister, Deputy Chambers, we will do what we can to build upon them. To answer the Deputy's second question, I will be making the case for this to my colleagues but I appreciate that many of them are facing moments of great danger and risk and are having to make hard choices, which just adds to the responsibility of Ireland to do our bit to make a case for this funding and to add to it where we can.