During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: I wish to refer relates to what is occurring in the Horn of Africa. We are experiencing difficulties in Ireland at present and we are always referring to how badly off we are. A massive famine has developed in the Horn of Africa, which comprises Somalia, Kenya and a number of other countries. Some 12 million people are in dire need...

I request that the Leader make time available, as a matter of urgency, for a debate on what is happening in the Horn of Africa. It is over 160 years since Ireland endured the Great Famine. We blamed others for not assisting us at that time and for not taking action.

However, we now know far more about what is happening elsewhere than people did about what was taking place in Ireland in the 1840s. I urge the Leader to make time available for a debate on the huge famine which is currently affecting the Horn of Africa and which is worse than anything seen there since the 1980s.

The countries in the region are experiencing their worst and driest season since 1951. Today’s edition of the Irish Examiner carries an in-depth article on this matter which is well worth reading. People in this country should read it in order to remind themselves how well off they are compared to others.