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

I welcome Mr. Maguinness and thank him for his interesting presentation. Will he elaborate on the $500 million TradeMark East Africa has already accumulated? Was it from direct contributions from overseas development programme budgets of donor countries or was it through general philanthropy?

Mr. Maguinness mentioned the development of infrastructure and facilities in some east African countries. Are they handed over to the state subsequently? If a port is completed, for example, is it handed over?

Mr. Maguinness rightly highlighted the lack of technical assistance. Naturally, education is important when it comes to empowering people. There is a necessity to transfer knowledge and skills. A number of weeks ago we heard an interesting presentation by senior personnel from University College Cork. They have a particular development programme which involves using their existing resources and departments, including in the food and health areas. Does Traidlinks link up with them to ensure we are maximising the delivery of services and the transfer of knowledge and upskilling people in the countries highlighted?

I again thank the delegation for its presentation.