“It is our hope and prayer that one day there will be no need for our service because everyone will have the social and financial resources to live life to the full as God intended.”

Public opinion is divided on the issue, with 42 per cent in favour of scrapping the prayer, 42 per cent who want to retain it, and 16 per cent who “don't know”.

It is hoped that the fund will allow Trócaire to bring support to 7,000 people in drought-affected areas of Ethiopia.

St Kieran’s College in Kilkenny, which was established in 1782, recently launched plans to facilitate past pupils in reconnecting with the College and with one another.

Ireland's most famous gambler, having raised millions of euro for schools and hospitals in Africa, is honoured by Oireachtas Human Dignity Group.

South Tipperary Deputy Mattie McGrath sees "no reason why there could not be a specific space for prayer in the Oireachtas on a full-time basis”.