David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Each day Members highlight the effect of the cuts that have already been introduced. Today I wish to outline the position of St. Brigid's day nursery which is located in Mountjoy Square, close to my home. This nursery, which was founded in 1940, accommodates children who live in the north inner city, particularly those who have been referred by social agencies and social workers, speech therapists, etc. Its funding has been cut back by 47% and it has been informed that there may be a further cut which may be backdated. It is facilities such as this one and other like it which the cuts to which I referred earlier really hurt.

Many Members have raised the issue of the pilot training scheme. The Joint Committee on Transport and Communications gave an undertaking to the parents of the young people involved that it would have an inquiry into the matter. The committee got publicity for this announcement but now it has reneged on that undertaking. The committee members gave the commitment in public and turned their backs on it in private. That kind of behaviour brings the profession of politics into disrepute. I do not look forward to today's announcements. We will have an opportunity to say a few words about it later this evening but I do not imagine people will pay much attention. I think it astonishing that in a country which prides itself, correctly, on its volunteering spirit, people are withdrawn from the support of social welfare if they volunteer. Surely that should be looked at in the budget.