Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This has been missed completely in the debate. There was a Labour Court recommendation in 2008. It is very easy for the Opposition - Sinn Féin - to ask why we did not pay at that time. There was not enough money to pay the people on the schemes never mind the pensions of any other people. This should be concluded and sorted out. As Deputy Calleary said, there are people who have gone to their eternal reward who did great work.

We should remember those in communities working on a voluntary basis and the communities that support these schemes and workers. What is happening is a disgrace. I know the Minister of State, Deputy Doyle, is a decent man and I have had many dealings with him. However, it is an absolute disgrace to think there is not another person from Fine Gael in this House tonight on such an important issue.

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