Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Calleary is right. Where we bring them together, we do not want any splintering of the work that is being done. It is not a power struggle but to provide better services for rural areas, giving them the services and support that they need. As for transfers I was offered some from other Departments to be taken on as a priority but the budget did not come with them. I will not allow my officials or Government to do that. Anything that comes in, the budget will have to come with it. That is very clear. The existing budget is committed, and if something new comes in, the budget must follow. We are very lucky in the many voluntary organisations we have and the great people who work in these services. They give their lives to it and we do not really appreciate the work they do.

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