Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We will not go there. It was anticipated that the terms of reference on mother and baby homes would go to Cabinet today with a discussion to be held in the Dáil on Thursday. Can the Leader advise us on the up-to-date position? Many groups, organisations and Senators await the terms of reference. It is critically important that the work is commenced but, equally, it is critical that the Minister concentrates on issues that deal with children in Ireland today where their rights are being violated.
The next issue I wish to raise relates to the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. I call for a debate on the broad issue of how we fund national federation networks and civil society organisations in Ireland. We have a White Paper but, unfortunately, we had a funding round announced at the end of last week or the week before. In the past year I have raised this issue four times on the Adjournment. I give that information just in case the Leader suggests I submit an Adjournment motion on the matter. How we support organisations is a real issue for us.
Many organisations give very specialist medical support to families such as the Neurological Association of Ireland Support, ASPIRE and Multiple Sclerosis Ireland. Today I found myself in agreement with Fintan O'Toole's article for the first time. In The Irish Timeshe described the latest cuts to charities as simply crass stupidity. These very small organisations give very dedicated support. Very often the sum involved does not even add up to the amount wasted by other plans and Departments. By not funding these small organisations, community and voluntary organisations will not be able to give families support when they need it. In addition, the cost of rebuilding the structure will be far greater. We need a broad debate on how we fund organisations that do not receive significant funding from the State in any other way but carry out crucial work on behalf of the State.