John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

I acknowledge the work that has been done under the community development programme. There are 184 of these projects throughout the State. I will work tirelessly to ensure the services, particularly front line services, they provide are maintained.

Funding is a separate matter. It is important to ensure that we constantly evaluate and monitor what these groups are doing rather than just viewing them in isolation. In any community, there may be multiple community development programme projects but they do not work in isolation from partnerships and other groups. In order to ensure that the needs of the community are being met, it is important we take a more holistic approach. We must strive to achieve efficiencies while also ensuring there are no gaps in services and that a comprehensive package is available in communities. We will work tirelessly to maintain front line services for communities. I acknowledge that the challenge is greater this year than in previous years. I appreciate Deputies' support on this matter. The budgetary issue is for another day but I assure Members that we will fight our corner.

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