Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the significant number of Members of the House who have made a contribution to this debate. I thank them for sharing their personal experiences in so many cases but also for their suggestions to ensure we are going in the right direction and for their proposed changes to make it a better strategy. There is no better person than Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú who has spent a lifetime involved in voluntary activity and developing a brand for Ireland through the Irish language and music that is second to none in terms of its attractiveness to the Diaspora. Together with Senator Fiach Mac Conghail who is involved in literature and the arts, the House has two very experienced Senators in the world of philanthropy who have been getting on with the job in advance of a structured approach such as the forum on philanthropy some years ago.

As I described in my opening contribution, we are in a difficult position. Atlantic Philanthropies and The One Foundation are leaving the field of philanthropy. This will create a financial gap for many organisations that are currently beneficiaries and which have benefited significantly, including in Northern Ireland. I am surprised that Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh has expressed concerns and created a diversion on matters relating to exiles and which have nothing to do with this debate. He and his organisation, Sinn Féin, have had many dinners in recent weeks in the United States - political and otherwise; therefore, he and Sinn Féin, more than any other organisation represented in the House, know the value of securing foreign direct investment through these sources-----