Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I, too, compliment Deputy Breathnach on being involved in the mid-Louth Leader programme as well as our Leas-Cheann Comhairle, Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher, who is also involved. Any one of us who is worth our salt in the community have been impressed by the CE schemes. However, it is a poor relation and is considered cheap labour for the Government. These supervisors need to be supported. Some 250 members have retired since 2010 and many have died, with their families left without any semblance of a pension in recognition of their work. I am not asking but demanding that the Minister for Finance sit up and pay heed to the Labour Court, which has made the decision that they must be supported in some way.

Turas Nua, a private company, is one of the new groups tormenting people and driving them to all kinds of distraction. CE organisations nurture them and look after their bodily and mental well-being and look after the communities. Tidy Towns committees and others are of the people, from the people and by the people. They are the very essence of Ireland. Take them out and Ireland will stop because they are running so many institutions, including GAA fields and soccer pitches. They are involved in sport for health and provide all kinds of assistance to people. They are at the front line. Please acknowledge it and do not have us back here on an all-party basis. We will come back on an all-party basis and keep at it until we get due recognition for our excellent team of supervisors.

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