Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

As the Minister has stated, obviously the front line services are of greatest concern. While I am sure it is his intention, I ask the Minister to ensure there is no loss of employment or service. In circumstances in which the unknown provides problems in this regard, I ask that the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs should consider individual cases. I do not suggest this should apply to everyone because there have been cutbacks. However, there have been instances in which an unknown development has led to major problems in respect of a particular group. In such circumstances, the door should remain open in respect of considering the provision of funding to avoid the removal or reduction of, or damage to, front line services. In such circumstances, I seek the goodwill of the Minister and the Department. However, the same must be said in respect of the individual groups, namely, it is not simply a case of an open door but that this should be addressed in specific and special cases.

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