Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

Since the election, the Tánaiste has always said that jobs were a key priority for this Government. I am glad the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, is here for this discussion. We all accept it is a key priority. This morning there was again talk of getting people back to work. In the past few days Technical Group Members, for example, have come to the House to make suggestions on job creation, the tax issue and the provision of supports for small businesses.

On job creation and, more importantly, job retention, in the budget why did the Government cut 66.6% from community employment schemes? It is a significant cut for many voluntary and community groups. How can the Tánaiste say to them that it amounts to sharing the pain when high earners are getting increases of €30,000 or €40,000 per year? How can he say this to people participating in community employment schemes, including people with disabilities and workers in drugs services? Is he aware that this is a direct attack on the 22,474 people involved in these schemes, including some in the disability sector, which provide a very valuable service? In the past 24 hours people have seen what has happened to the disability allowance and there will be further cuts to the community employment scheme. It is not a cut of 10% or 20% but 66%. Will the Tánaiste reverse it?

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