Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I absolutely acknowledge the work done in the Minister of State's Department and the multi-annual funding, which he has outlined. However, he is part of a Government. The community, voluntary and charity sector includes a wide range of organisations, including section 38, section 39 and section 56 organisations. I am sure the Cabinet is aware of all the difficulties they are experiencing. I am using this opportunity to voice their concerns because we know what they are. They relate to recruitment, retention and the issue of strategic planning.

How do people plan if they do not have an assurance that they will have funding? That has led to significant difficulties. The Department has acknowledged that and worked forward on it.

I wish other Departments would take some steps similar to those the Minister has taken. I urge the Minister of State to use his position in the Government to push that further, with others.

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