Seanad debates
Wednesday, 13 November 2002
Community Employment Schemes: Motion.
I am sure the Minister of State has already reflected on the impact on the individuals involved. Many have been given hope by these schemes and the cruellest thing to do is take this away. I heard a heroin addict, who was on methadone and involved in one of the schemes, speak movingly about it on the radio recently. He was in employment and felt useful for the first time in his life – he had regained his dignity. What is he going to do if we pull the rug from under him? Is he going to go back on heroin? If he does, that will present a much greater cost, both socially and economically.
No comments