Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The relevant Minister will have to take up some of the representations received in respect of individual cases. I hope ways and means will be found for those in need to be accommodated. Pursuing public service reform is about making sure that we release moneys, to the greatest extent possible, to the areas of the public service which require resourcing in addition to what is already being provided. We have made extensive efforts, despite the difficult financial situation in which we find ourselves and the need to reduce expenditure, to emphasise that we want such issues dealt with as sympathetically as possible.

Where there are problems we need to deal with them on an individual basis. The relevant Minister will give the Deputy a better overview as to the constraints of resources and the impact that is having.

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