John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The principle of the grants should be maintained. As Deputy Upton stated, whatever percentage cut comes with other areas should be applied. My understanding was that it was not ring-fenced but that there was an instruction from the Minister's predecessor, Mr. Brennan, to find the money within the budget. The reason I put the question today is to urge the Minister to do the same within the current budget.

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