Ms Caroline Casey:

I could not put it any better than Ms Mortell. It is so important that we build a giving culture. That is how the situation will change. It takes time to change culture. The way we can make things happen is to see good examples of what can be done really well. The best example of that is to continue the extraordinary social innovation and the work the sector is doing. If the sector does not survive it will be hard to be motivated or inspired by negativity. The culture change will come if we continue to support those organisations that help us.

What is important is how we frame the proposal. It is not about rewarding people or giving them something. We must demand things from people as citizens of this country because we need them. As we said to each other before giving our presentation, we are asking for help. It is hard to ask for help but we genuinely need help. This is not just about €50 million; there is a problem currently. We need help. There will be public outcry if more organisations that are delivering services that are required are lost. We must look at the two sides of this story and what might anger the public on both sides.

I agree with the point made about whether there is an alternative. We are open to it. If there is a pot of money at the end of the rainbow we are up for it. There is no problem in trying. Various approaches could be taken. Our request is for us to be allowed to try to see whether we can leverage the money along with all of the extraordinary proposals that are contained in the plan. We have a problem to solve both in the short term and the long term. I thank the committee members for their time. Like Mr. O’Hara I have been in the Houses of the Oireachtas twice in recent months and I have really enjoyed it. It is great to have a good discussion.