Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to hear that because Ireland had a good record over the period those programmes have been in place, with different State agencies drawing down funding and it is welcome that funding has been sourced from outside the Exchequer.

Are the programmes tailored along the lines of the Irish Aid programme and partner countries? Is there co-ordination? There is a huge need for a massive investment in human resources and infrastructure. Everyone has pointed out when dealing with different aspects of international development cooperation, there is a need for investment in human and physical resources. Is there co-ordination with the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations? Both organisations have certain deficiencies but they have an international remit. We want to see co-ordination and the best possible outcome for the individuals who are the intended beneficiaries of all of this work and investment through Irish Aid and the university.

No mention was made of water resources, which are critical in both the developing world and emerging countries. I was glad to hear Dr. Lahiff mention collaboration with other universities. That synergy and leverage is needed to derive the best outcomes. The Chairman asked how many students attend the centre but how many of the students in the universities are local people who are availing of these courses? If we are to deal with these issues in a meaningful way, we must give the people in those countries the opportunity to acquire the skills and expertise. There must be a transfer for knowledge to the people in those countries.

I welcome this outline. I was not very familiar, and I am sure the public at large are not familiar, with the centre's work, which is very innovative. It is important there be that global outreach aspect to the work, while utilising an existing aspect of the domestic programme in UCC. I compliment the centre on its work. It is obviously getting some assistance from Irish Aid, and there were difficulties with Uganda recently. We discussed that in the committee on a number of occasions and there have been positive outcomes from Irish investment in school completion at primary level and the provision of health facilities over the years in Uganda. We want to send a clear message to the taxpayer at the same time that there are positive outcomes arising from the major investment that is taking place due to Exchequer funds in various programmes.

I welcome the opportunity to listen to this outline of the programmes and wish the centre every success.