Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Government has cut farm assist, bus routes on rural transport and the local improvement schemes. The Government did not cut the schemes, it has done away with them. The local improvement schemes served to help people living in rural areas who wanted to roll up their sleeves. I have dealt with many of these people over the years and I continue to deal with them. They are good hard-working people. The Government cut these schemes, it axed them. It did away with the local improvement schemes. Now, people in rural areas who are willing to help improve the roads in their own area cannot even get grant assistance. Then, the Government cut the home help hours, which affected elderly people in rural areas. It removed the community welfare officers. I note the Minister of State, Deputy Coffey, is running out of the Chamber because he does not like hearing the truth.

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