Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)

I welcome the opportunity to speak briefly on this important issue. No one could doubt the valuable contribution CE schemes make to society. We have heard from all sides of the House of their importance and value not alone to participants but the communities they serve. The anger being expressed by communities in respect of the announcement of these cuts should come as no surprise.

I agree with Deputy Mulherin who said earlier that there is absolute turmoil in the communities in relation to these cuts, that people do not know whether they are coming or going and that the Minister was badly advised in terms of making this announcement prior to the review. It appears to be Government policy lately to announce cuts and then reviews. This has happened in respect of cuts in the disability sector, DEIS and now CE schemes.

Earlier, Deputy Spring called on the people to follow the Government because our deficit must be bridged. I would not follow this Government out the front door because I do not believe it knows where it is going. This Government has no sense of direction in terms of where it is planning to take this country. The reality is that it is taking us is into deeper recession.

Deputy Spring also said that everything must be reduced until the deficit has been addressed. What he failed to say was that everything but his salary and bondholders' payments must be reduced. They are the only things that appear to be immune to cuts these days. Ministers have appointed advisers above salary caps. Is it any wonder that when people outside this Chamber hear this they lose faith in the political system?

I have discussed these cuts with sponsors of CE schemes in Cork. They told me that unless these cuts are reversed many schemes face closure. The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, said that no CE scheme will close. However, one cannot cut resources by 66% and do away with dual payments without consequence. The impact of these cuts is being felt in communities. People who want to participate in CE schemes, to obtain additional training in order to return to full employment or to serve their communities are being prevented from doing so because of the changes in the dual payment. I am not sure if the Minister is aware of this but there is a cost to people participating in CE schemes. They have to meet travel, child care and other expenses. One cannot expect a person who is already living on the breadline and struggling to make ends meet to take up a place on scheme for €20 extra. That is the consequence of this policy.

Eight participants on a particular scheme in Cork have gone on to full employment. There is not one labour activation measure that this Government could introduce that would match that type of success. There are social consequences to these cuts. CE schemes in Cork provide child care, drug addiction, elderly and after school services. We will not know the impact of these cuts for many years. It will be our children who will suffer and who will have to pick up the pieces in this regard.

I heard many members of the Government say when in opposition that the previous Administration had decimated this country and brought it to its knees, which is true. However, this Government is giving it a kick in the teeth while down.

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