Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this topical issue for debate because it is extremely important. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable work of the many participants on the community employment schemes the length and breadth of the country. They are very much at the heart of our community.

It might be beneficial for the Minister of State to engage in this debate as opposed to with his colleague.

I want to put on record thanks for the invaluable work the community employment schemes do the length and breadth of the country. They are very much at the heart of the community from a social, cultural and environmental perspective. They work in child care facilities, GAA grounds and other sporting facilities. They maintain tidy towns. They support the often unrecognised work of thousands of volunteers throughout the country.

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