Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Will the Minister of State briefly explain the position? The allocation last year was so many million euro, but how much is the contingency fund this year after an 11% cut? My impression of the contingency fund, from the way it has been explained, is that massive, stinging cuts have been imposed throughout the country - up to 76% in some counties - and it seems the Department has decided to take the flak and put a contingency fund in place to pacify a few of those who cry the loudest, perhaps some of those in our own best constituencies throughout the country. This gives the impression that there is some appeasement, but that is far from the case.

We are dealing with a cohort of people who do not have the clout or representation that many others do, and who are left in a terrible predicament. In my county, as in many others, there is a five-year waiting list and the council is doing its best to spread the fund. Any further spreading will make no difference. The Minister of State must sit down and get this back on track. These are areas where a difference was being made.

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