Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

On community development, I agree I have stated on many occasions I want to see the duplication stopped and I certainly would support the Minister on that. What I am saying is the Minister needs to talk to these community groups. He cannot just write to them stating this is what the Department is doing. He needs to talk to them, he needs to sit down with them. On the appeals mechanism, he must give them an opportunity to make their case and fight their corner, and then make the decisions. However, what is happening is they are getting letters one day stating it must be done before March and then they are told it must be done before Christmas. At least there is an appeals mechanism.

These CDPs are doing extremely good work and the Minister must sit down and talk with them. The other day the joint committee was trying to bring the Minister in again to stall the process and give them an opportunity to make their case. I agree that some of these groups must be amalgamated. They themselves know and are ready for change, but they need a little time.

What is the financial allocation for community supports for older persons for 2010? Is it the same as that for last year, or has it been increased? What is the up-to-date position? I am worried about that important scheme. We must ensure the funding is in place for that scheme to protect the elderly in their homes. That scheme has worked. The Minister opened up that scheme and closed it down again. Will that scheme be in place for 2010?

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