Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

A number of the partnership and other groups which come within the remit of the Minister's Department and employ people on temporary contracts have expressed concerns. I am aware that the Minister recently met some of their representatives at his office in Connemara. Many are concerned because their contracts are due to finish in December and they do not know whether they will be renewed. Those in the voluntary sector want to know what will happen and what the Minister intends to do. I accept that there are budget constraints. However, it is almost July and the people to whom I refer should be informed before the summer holidays about what is going to happen. They should be made aware whether their contracts will be renewed in order that they might enjoy some degree of security.

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