Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

I fully accept the points made by the Deputy in this regard. I will relay those views to the Minister of State, Deputy Lynch, who has responsibility for this area. I can assure the Deputy that the circumstances in which we are operating are very difficult and it is always to the fore of everybody's mind in government to ensure in so far as we possibly can that services for the most vulnerable are protected.

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