Brian Walsh (Galway West, Fine Gael)

I agree with the sentiments expressed by my colleague, Deputy Nolan. Deputy Kyne, Deputy Nolan and I visited the Brothers of Charity services in Galway in the last few days. They provide an exceptional service to the people of Galway city and county. That is replicated by a host of service providers throughout the country. It is an essential service.

We discussed some of the figures involved. There has been a cut of 14% since 2009 across the board nationally but in Galway's case, due to a moratorium cut in 2010, its cut in the corresponding period was 18%. It is a cut to the bone in respect of Galway. Approximately 85% of the budget the service receives is pay related and under the terms of the Croke Park agreement that cannot be touched. Therefore, this year's cut of 3.7% under the service plan actually represents a 24.6% cut in non-pay items. They are, essentially, front line services. All the cuts must be applied to non-pay items due to the Croke Park agreement.

I ask the Minister to examine this issue. It is an area that is close to the Minister's heart and she has shown great leadership in the disability sector since her appointment to office. I am aware there is a question about the number of CEOs in the employment of the Brothers of Charity, which the Minister might address in her response. In the case of Galway, however, and the salary that applies, I am sure each of them would gladly drop the title "CEO" in the morning if it helped the case. It is simply a title. There is a budget of almost €50 million in Galway and somebody at managerial level is required to manage that. There are 1,000 staff to be managed in the services provided in Galway alone. A manager is required to provide that service, whether one calls the person a CEO or otherwise. I echo the sentiments expressed so far and I ask the Minister of State to intervene in this case.

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