John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

He cannot say the EU-IMF are down to the nitty gritty of telling us which Garda stations have to close. In fact, the troika agreed with the previous Government that Garda strength should stand at 13,000. In 2006, when Garda levels had to be similarly reduced, there were no station closures. The Government should ensure Garda stations remain open and show some concern for people's security in rural areas.

Community employment schemes have done tremendous work for many communities through meals on wheels, GAA and other sporting organisations. It is not good enough the training and materials grant will be reduced from €1,500 to €500 per participant per annum. While some larger sporting organisations might be able to supplement their reductions, others, like meals on wheels and services for the elderly, will not be able to do so.

While I accept the Minister for Social Protection will review this decision, when the Government got into trouble last week it also used the term "reviewing". When my party was in government, I always maintained that when a Minister started talking about a review, it meant a cutback or reduction in services and funding.

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