Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support the workers of Dunnes Stores. When reading the details of their existing conditions, it is extremely difficult to support any other side. Normally I can see the two sides of an argument, but in this case the Dunnes Stores workers seem to have been treated appallingly. I hope the people will stand with them in seeking appropriate working terms and conditions. Yesterday morning on the Commencement debate, Senator Marie Moloney raised the issue of funding for health and disability organisations. Last June, the funding for 31 organisations was cut. In July they received bridging funding for one year and were promised an answer by 31 March as to their future sustainability, but that date has passed and they still await an answer. In response to her question yesterday, Senator Moloney received a history lesson but nothing about what is going to happen. We all know about the history of funding for these organisations. In the Lower House, Members can appeal to the Ceann Comhairle when something like this happens. Perhaps the Committee on Procedure and Privileges can allow us an equivalent appeal process when we do not get an answer from the Minister on a Commencement debate. I had put forward the matter for debate this morning but it was ruled out of order because the question had been asked yesterday. The answer, however, was not given and there is a wider issue. Senator Moloney and I have made representations to the Minister and others and we have been advised that we will have an answer within the next two weeks, so I will be coming back to this issue on the day we return. There are 31 organisations which receive what is quite a small parcel of funding - €1.28 million in total - to provide vital services. This House played a significant role last summer in getting a resolution to the issue and I will demand an answer on behalf of these organisations. Senator Moloney and I will continue to pursue this issue and I hope all Senators will stand with us.