Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

May I make my contribution? As part of the tendering process, we will find out what will be the scale, range and geographical and sectoral spread of the impact of the process on local development companies. I intend to ensure those on the front line who receive the services provided by local development companies will be fully protected. The Department will do everything possible to ensure this will happen once the tendering process has concluded.

As the Minister with responsibility for this area, I will not prejudge a tendering process that is under way, as it would not be appropriate or responsible to do so. The outcome of this independent process will be known soon and I am confident that the Government will address any issues that arises in the area of service provision to ensure people will receive the services they need.

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