David Norris (Independent)

The prospect of people queueing in very difficult circumstances, sometimes tragic family situations, and being treated by all accounts from live radio broadcasts in a manner that could only be described as completely bolshie, is appalling. It shows a contempt for the public. They are very foolish because they need the public on their side and their action is not actually exerting any influence on Government but is making a lot of people very miserable. This is not just the case in the Passport Office. I ask the Leader to raise a matter with the Minister.

Not long ago, a number of us raised the matter of the Jack and Jill Foundation on foot of a very powerful briefing we received from Mr. Jonathan Irwin and other executives. They made a very strong case for increased State support. The foundation's support has been cut back by nearly €40,000, a total of 6.5%, on a value for money basis, despite the fact there has been an independent professional report showing the foundation is excellent, unmatchable and unrivalled value for money. I wrote an urgent letter to the Minister and I received this reply.

Dear David,

I wish to thank you for your recent letter on behalf of Mr. Jonathan Irwin...I regret to inform you that due to industrial action the Minister is not in a position to provide a substantive response to your correspondence. If this matter continues to be of concern to you, however, the Minister invites you to raise it with her again in due course.

This is outrageous, in my opinion. This is an urgent matter. The Minister is incapable of dealing with it because of industrial action. In other words the Government has been paralysed. In urgent situations this should not be allowed, there must be a degree of flexibility. I know people were reported as working to rule and being on a go-slow. I wish to God I could go on a go-slow, I certainly do not seem to be able to in this House or in my office, where I am chained to my desk.