Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I said, I greatly value the work done by ONE and similar organisations. I assure the Deputy that if I had some spare cash somewhere, I would happily provide additional supports. I cannot, however, make that type of commitment in the context of our overall expenditure position and the obligation on the State to spend €3.5 billion less in 2013 than we have spent in 2012. It is not open to any Minister to suggest there is an additional pot of money, and it would be irresponsible and misleading of me to do so. I am very anxious that we maintain existing supports to this organisation and I am very happy to hear anything it has to say to Members of this House. Nevertheless, it is vital that I do not mislead people in the very difficult financial and fiscal circumstances in which we find ourselves.

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