Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Meehan and his colleagues. I wish him well in his new role. I acknowledge the good work of the outgoing chairman, my good friend, Bishop John Kirby, from Clonfert, who was chairman for many years. He was deeply committed to promoting Trócaire and to ensuring fund-raising, particularly in east Galway, was always well supported.

Is there any evidence from the Trócaire people in Syria of positive noises coming from the Syrian Government? Is it being far more co-operative with the United Nations in respect of access to aid for people who are under pressure? Is there any evidence this is happening or that there is progress?

Mr. Meehan referred to the level of promised aid materialising at only 11%. Will Mr. Meehan comment on the sustainability of the aid effort? What will happen if the promised aid does not materialise? How great a humanitarian crisis are we facing?

We received correspondence from the Israeli embassy. The correspondence asked several questions and it is only appropriate we put them on the record in the committee. One of the questions related to the nature of the relations that exist between Trócaire and the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

Is it true that several former central of the IPSC are now on the staff of Trócaire?