Áine Collins (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Clune and Mr. McLoughlin. I do not really have any questions, save to say it is a fantastic idea. I congratulate the witnesses. I wish we had more people like them in Ireland. The positive message that comes from this is fantastic. It is a great idea to work with some of the communities. We have serious issues in Ireland with philanthropy, where it is going and where new funding will come from. Communities working in this way with ConnectIreland is a good idea.

We are involved with the Cork Foundation and we go back and forth to America several times a year. We meet American business people. We are certainly keen to work with ConnectIreland. I suggest American Ireland Fund could be an organisation of benefit to ConnectIreland. Representatives from the fund are always meeting people and they have a huge database. If ConnectIreland has not done so I would be pleased to make an introduction. Well done to them.