Mary Henry (Independent)

I am sure voluntary and community groups have been in contact with the Minister of State to communicate their disappointment at not being involved in a more formal way in the formulation of the Bill. Senator O'Meara put it well when she observed that workers in this sector are not just service providers. In particular, they are advocates for the various groups with which they deal. There is a perception that they will not be at the table and in a position to continue the advocacy they have undertaken so effectively in the past.

People in the sector were greatly cheered by the praise they were given by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, at the end of his Budget Statement. This indicated that their worth was recognised. However, they have been disappointed in their hope to make their voices heard through having an input to amendments to the Bill in regard to the important functions of the board and its various sub-committees.