Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)

The most important reference the Minister of State made was to "limited resources". It is fine to complain about limited resources when one is in opposition because one cannot do anything to make further resources available. However, the Government can increase the level of resources available. It has been stated the amount of money which could be saved in comparison to the amount invested is phenomenal. It was fine for the Minister of State and his colleagues to refer to limited resources when they were in opposition. However, they can now change the position and provide additional resources. I get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach when the Minister of State refers to limited resources in a way which implies that the matter has nothing to do with him. The Government must find the resources required. If I had control over my local council, I could find the Government €1 million by tomorrow morning. The Government has control over the country and should find the necessary resources. Let us do away with the idea that we have limited resources. The Government has at its disposal as many resources as it wishes to use.

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