Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Brendan Smith asked me to convey to the delegates that he is very appreciative of the work of Trócaire and we all echo that thanks. I visited India a number of years ago and I spoke to people actively involved in the Irish Aid programme. They singled out Trócaire as an agency that provided sustainable assistance to areas in great need rather than simply crisis management. This is to Trócaire's credit.

Mr. Meehan referred to the need for a charities regulator, an issue that has been highlighted as a result of recent controversies which I believe will lead to greater transparency on the part of charities. I ask Mr. Meehan to comment on the possible effects of the controversy on Trócaire's fund-raising. Ireland has a great tradition of supporting charitable organisations. It would be a pity if a few organisations were to damage that ethos.

Mr. Meehan gave the example of Zimbabwe as being a microcosm of what is happening elsewhere in Africa and the need to address the issue of climate change. There was a focus on climate change a number of years ago. However, in my view, the global financial collapse has diverted attention away from the issue of climate change. There is also a tendency to see it as someone else's problem. Ireland is a small country compared to China or India and therefore it could be perceived that our impact is minimal compared to the impact of larger countries. How can that mentality be overcome? How can cohesive global action be achieved with regard to climate change? Unless the major economic powers are involved, any action we take would only scratch the surface.

The Chairman of the committee led a deputation to Palestine last summer. I was shocked at the conditions in which Palestinians are living and their dispersal throughout that region. It is shocking to discover that many of the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon have been in existence since 1948, with people living in atrocious conditions. I have photographs which I took of collapsed houses in a dangerous condition with people living in them. We were flabbergasted to see that because such buildings would be cordoned off in Ireland. The settlements are continuing. The Israeli ambassador wrote to all members of the committee. I appeal to the ambassador and to the Israelis, as people who have suffered enormously throughout the centuries and in particular in the twentieth century, that their humanity should surely recognise the appalling conditions in which the Palestinians are left. Perhaps Mr. Meehan might have some suggestions as to what we could do to effect movement in that area. The US Secretary of State, John Kerry, is worthy of great credit for taking on what is almost an intractable problem.

I refer to the situation in Sudan and in the Central African Republic. Trócaire may not be working in the Central African Republic but the situation in that region is atrocious, with displacement of people and the humanitarian crisis. It is a pity to see the living conditions of the Syrians who were educated enterprising people, whose standard of living exceeded others in that region. I share Mr. Meehan's view that Ireland should be taking greater responsibility for accommodating refugees. I welcome any suggestions in this regard.