Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am not part of the joint committee, but I am attending this meeting because last September I travelled to Uganda with World Vision, with Deputy James Lawless and Senator Neale Richmond, among others. I saw some of the very good work being done there. I was sceptical about going because I am sceptical about many things which involve fundraising where one cannot see exactly where the money goes. There is, however, a lot of good work being done in helping children, particularly in schools. Alleviating hunger is a huge issue. When we asked what people felt they needed, we were told that many children were too hungry to go to school. World Vision alone will not be able to resolve that issue.

I have two suggestions which might improve matters. We came across people who were waiting to be transported to a refugee or resettlement camp and who were only being provided with nutritional biscuits, rather than hot meals. There were pregnant women and young kids there. Common sense has to prevail as much as possible in such situations. Hot food had been provided in certain place but was then withdrawn for some reason. Unfortunately, we did not get to learn much about the level of maternal health and the different health services being provided for women. I would have liked to have seen more in that regard. I know that good work is being done in the area and would appreciate it if more information could be sent to us.

I commend the work World Vision is doing. It is very difficult, but another big positive was that many people living in the area were employed by World Vision to work with others. That helps to empower them and give them the chance to work. I wish World Vision continued success. I do not want to speak on behalf of the committee because I am not a member, but World Vision should know that there are other Deputies with an interest in its work and that it should keep in touch with us.