Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for her reply. While I understand that no decision will be made at this stage two weeks in advance of the budget, it is important that consultation continues between the organisations and the Minister. I know from meeting representatives of the organisations that they are very open to working within the budget they are given. Like many organisations, they have experienced many cuts during recent years and are now surviving on a very strict budget. Any further harsh cuts will severely affect their ability to provide the services they deliver. I ask that before any budget decisions are made, these organisations be involved in those discussions to give them every opportunity to see how they can best deliver these services. These are the most vulnerable people in society and we must do everything we can to protect them. The only way to do that is to work with the service providers.

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