Ms Barbara Walshe:

On the word "weapon", referred to by Deputy Crowe, it is about the language we use. Sometimes the language used could be softer or more mindful of people coming from different perspectives and world views, and sometimes language is used as a weapon. We need to mind our language in respect of what we want or what is needed.

We seek an investment of €2 million over the next three years, which would be invested in human resources at Glencree to enable us to do more. We do not expect it to be an ongoing drain on Government resources but we are operating at a thin level. In order for us to be able to do what we need to do, we need the investment over the next three years. We are looking for approximately €700,000 per year for three years to help us to resource the organisation. The resource the organisation needs is a human one, that is, skilled people, as well as the need for IT equipment for the centre. We need to be able to employ people who can do the work and develop sustainable streams of income. Other capital spending will be needed through the Office of Public Works and other sources but we have not tied that down. The most immediate requirement is an investment in the work of Glencree.

That is aside from the reconciliation fund. We get approximately €270,000 a year from the fund, which pays for some activity and a few core positions. The organisation needs that to develop. We are not looking for that money from the fund; we are looking for it from the Government itself, as a confidence measure in our work going forward.