Eamonn Coghlan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses and thank them for their presentations. I know what it is like to fund-raise, having worked in the charity sector in Ireland and overseas for 30 years. I continue to do so on a voluntary basis. Our support comes from everyone from schoolchildren raising €5 or €10 each to the corporate sector.

What is the purpose of the groups' presentations? To be honest, I am not sure. I understand the corporate social responsibility of the providers that is met through TIF.

I can understand the 116 number. That is necessary for the vulnerable people who can call for the support they need. However, when there are other organisations such as Console, Aware, Childline and Focus Ireland which operate 1800 or 1850 numbers seeking support, I am trying to figure out what the purpose of coming here-----