Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for coming before the joint committee and enlightening members on the activities of Trócaire. We support Irish Aid funding for Trócaire and similar agencies. Members have seen at first hand the good work done by the organisation and its benefits. We look forward to continued dialogue with Trócaire. While the word "Trócaire" is pronounced slightly differently in some countries where people place an emphasis on the second syllable, it is good that the Irish name is used.

Mr. Meehan stated that water will be the theme of this year's Lenten campaign. Water is life. Members saw solar panels being used in Mozambique to pump water in places which did not have an electricity supply. We also visited a number of other Trócaire projects. We are pleased the organisation is working in this area and highlighting the important role of water. One sees women walking along roads carrying water several times a day in Africa and we appreciate the work Trócaire does in bringing water to people. I thank the witnesses again for this informed discussion on Trócaire's activities. I hope its Lenten campaign will be successful.