Why focus on ending poverty across the world when we seem to have so many problems back home? Here are a few reasons...

• the economic argument - by lifting others out of poverty we create markets and generate economic growth – not just for ourselves and the European Union but for the global community,

• the security argument – by increasing the welfare of those beyond our borders we also remove some of the conditions which nurture insecurity and conflict

• the moral argument - we have a duty as Irish and European citizens to do all within our power to prevent people dying – our actions beyond our borders are the truest test of the values we hold dear

• the legal argument – over the years, we have signed up to laws which require us to tackle poverty and injustice. We remain obliged to keep our promises and meet our legal obligations.

Europe is the largest donor in the world. It plays a major role already in eradicating poverty. Its resources affect the lives of millions of people inside the Union but perhaps even greater numbers beyond its borders.

Distinct from any other international actor, Europe has moved towards political security through collective action, ever-closer cooperation, expansion of areas of self-interest and common policies towards economic prosperity, political growth and regional stability. Indeed it is in this context that Ireland has flourished.

With our long and strong history of engagement with the developing world, Ireland is well placed to send a clear message to others across the EU that we believe - even when things are hard at home - we should not forget there are others a lot worse off...and it makes sense to do it.

"In an age when “history moves with the tramp of earthquake feet,” in an age when a handful of men and nations have the power literally to devastate mankind, in an age when the needs of the developing nations are so large and staggering that even the richest nations often groan with the burden of assistance— in such an age, it may be asked, how can a nation as small as Ireland play much of a role on the world stage?"

John F Kennedy on his visit to Ireland in 1963