Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

The Minister and I are of one mind with regard to the need to protect front line services to the greatest degree possible. The latter was my main concern in respect of tabling this question. As the Minister is aware, there are hundreds if not thousands of small community groups throughout the country which are doing outstanding work, mainly on a voluntary basis. Their efforts are being supported through an extremely small allocation of State funding. I am keen that the enormous amount of voluntary work that is being done should continue.

Having indicated that front line services will be protected to the greatest extent possible, is the Minister in a position to indicate the areas in which the €9 million will be saved? If he can provide clarity in that regard, I will be able to rest assured that the services to which I refer will be fully protected. Will the relevant savings be made in the administrative or bureaucratic areas or in other areas?

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