Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I wish to move to a different subject. Will the Leader ask the Tánaiste to suspend immediately the reduction of 5,000 in the numbers participating in the community employment schemes at this time of economic downturn and lack of job opportunities for so many in the community and given what is happening in parishes and community and voluntary organisations? Since the situation is so difficult for older people who are long-term unemployed and there is much valuable work to be done, the people concerned should be given the opportunity to continue that work while they are able bodied. I call on the Leader to use her good offices with the Tánaiste to ensure this is done.