Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Although I had not realised that yesterday's announcements in respect of the economy, the finances and everything else would be made, I tabled this question because I was concerned regarding cutbacks in respect of this budget. It already has been cut back by several million euro this year. Can the Minister of State guarantee Members and those who are involved in the aforementioned organisations that he can protect the funding that is available to them at present? Can he guarantee that this funding will not be cut further on foot of what is happening in the country? I am sure that each Department will be obliged to reconsider its running costs for the year. As such organisations and the people involved identify the problems that exist in both rural areas and cities, this funding is necessary. Can the Minister of State give a guarantee to the House today that he will protect the necessary funding in his Department to ensure there are no further cuts in the budget?

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