Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply, particularly where he stated his commitment to ensuring that scarce public funds are expended on services, not on unsanctioned payments to senior managers. That is what we all agree on.

My colleague, Deputy O'Donovan, should get his facts right. The dogs in the street know that the Independent TDs use their allowances to employ extra staff.

I remind Deputy O'Donovan that the type of cronyism he is talking about has been going on under his Government's watch for the past two years. That is a fact. That cuts to services for people with disabilities are occurring is another fact. The Government cut the respite care grant, another fact. I will not take any lectures on that issue.

To return to the core issue, it is very important that people have confidence in the senior management of organisations that provide services for people with disabilities. It is important also that people know that the few extra bob that they give is going to services on the ground. That is what the families want and that is what the vast majority of citizens in this State want.

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