Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I acknowledge that efficiencies are needed in every scheme operated by every Department, particularly in the current economic climate. There is some concern in this instance. The rural social scheme is one of the best schemes being run by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The manner in which it is being operated by Údarás na Gaeltachta, Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta and other groups is working well. Is the Minister thinking about taking responsibility for the scheme from Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta and giving sole responsibility for it to Údarás na Gaeltachta? If so, will legislation need to be introduced in this House? What is the Minister's thinking? Has he had discussions with Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta? I am concerned about the employment implications of such a move. Would it lead to many job losses in the community sector? If Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta officials lose their jobs, Údarás na Gaeltachta will not be able to take them on as a consequence of the Minister for Finance's embargo on public service recruitment. Can the Minister reassure those who are implementing the rural social scheme that their jobs are safe? Does he intend to disband this element of Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta and re-establish it within Údarás na Gaeltachta?

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