Sarah O'Reilly (Aontú)

The groups are all welcome and I thank them for their presentations. I will ask some questions about their submissions. I thank the witnesses for all the work they are doing in our communities. They are visible on the ground in my community.

I want to highlight LDCs and their budget cuts. In 2008, €84 million was available. That was reduced to €49 million for 2025. I know the LCDN is a national organisation, which is not true of some of the groups that come before the committee. It is visible in my county. What has been the impact of the budget cuts? Where do the witnesses see that impact on the ground in respect of the services they provide?

We hear that the cost-of-living supports in last year's budget will not be in this year's budget. Have those supports disguised the levels of poverty at the moment? Are cost-of-living supports required? Should more long-term supports be put in place?

I will touch on the community engagement schemes, Tús and the rural social scheme. Those are vital to our communities. I heard Mr. O'Donnell say that the LCDN is looking for a top-up or a raise in that regard. To allow people to go to work and put petrol in the car, especially in rural areas, I must support the LCDN fully. That is needed. If those groups of people were not in our rural communities, we would see the impact. When we lost the gateway scheme workers, we very much saw that.

Many local communities want to apply for funding through the LEADER programme. These are voluntary groups and the system is very bureaucratic. I have discussed this issue at the committee previously. Is there anything we can do to simplify the application process?

Irish Rural Link provides a lifeline for people, especially elderly people, in rural areas. We have a shopper service in two areas of east Cavan. They are excellent, but we need more. During Storm Éowyn, we had no meals on wheels in the east of the country. I had to buy and deliver food. We need more of that. I support the organisation's requests in that respect. I am sorry for going on, Chair.