Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

We have to examine whether we can fund some of these organisations on a multi-annual basis. As we go through the three difficult years of 2012, 2013 and 2014 choices will have to be made as between organisations which provide services for women and those which advocate such services should be provided. We need to monitor what will happen during the course of the year to ensure we get our funding position right. Last July, conscious of the financial difficulties we would have in 2012, I wrote to the National Women's Council of Ireland to advise it in advance that it was likely its funding for 2012 would be substantially below the figure allocated in 2011. Therefore, it received a substantial warning of where the matter was going.

See this speech in context