Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I refer to the programme for Government and recent budget announcement regarding rural social schemes. We welcomed the announcement of 500 new places. That was the hand that gave, but the hand that took made sure that there were changes to the terms and conditions. People involved in the schemes could be involved for life, but a person can now only be out for between three and six years. I want to know whether the Government will review this. Teachers and nurses have made claims. We need to treat people equally. The people to whom I refer have been in schemes for 55 or 60 years. Now people will only be allowed out for three years.

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