John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join my colleagues in asking that any decision on this be suspended until such time as a proper review is undertaken. Both organisations have changed considerably over the years to meet the demands of their clients. They have made a significant contribution to their own communities based on the fact they have knowledge and they have the confidence and trust of the people they serve. If it is not broken, do not fix it. We seem to have a habit in this place of identifying something that is working and then attempting to restructure it in a way that takes away the very essence of what it means to people. I compliment the volunteers who have been central to these organisations because without them, the services could not function as they do. The Minister is wrong to attempt to do anything with these organisations.

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