Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his comments. I accept what he has said. There are many areas outside Dublin that could do with more funding to address disadvantage. What is happening is working very well. The task force is working on implementing the recommendations of the Mulvey report. It meets regularly and responds to Government. I have been to some of these places in Dublin's inner city. The Deputy has seen how the ring-fencing of funding to provide 50 positions on the employment scheme has worked. They are involved in the environment and in keeping their area tidy.

I have been in community halls that got funding from this scheme. Small amounts of money have made a difference to their lives. As the Deputy knows, wonderful community people are involved, particularly in Dublin's inner city. One could not meet nicer people. They also appreciate the funding they are getting. They see what it does for disadvantaged areas and it is working very well. I would like to be able to roll this out in other areas. We will be able to use this task force as an example, but it will, of course, all come down to funding.

11 o’clock

I wish I had more funding, in particular for other disadvantaged areas, but this is a pilot scheme and it is working very well. The Government is committed to it.

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