David Norris (Independent)

I thank the Minister of State for his response which provides some, albeit very little, comfort. While I understand he spoke on behalf of the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, I welcome his acknowledgement that Meath women's refuge and support services provides a valuable service and enjoys an excellent reputation. However, as to his subsequent reference to fund-raising, it is truly awful that vital services such as the Meath women's refuge and other services such as schools and so on are dependent on people raising funds. This was the attitude taken even during the Celtic tiger. The worst aspect of the reply-----