Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Chambers for sharing her time. I welcome the Minister of State to the House. Senator Chambers has outlined in detail the case and what took place at the very large meeting in Castlebar last Monday. There is no need to go over the case that Senator Chambers made. The Minister of State is only too well aware of the work carried out by the schemes on football, hurling and soccer fields and graveyards. Even at funerals we can see that participants in the schemes regulate traffic. It is great when we go to a funeral and we can see it is taking place in an orderly fashion and drivers are told where to park. They also assist Tidy Towns to keep towns and villages clean.

At the meeting we were presented with a leaflet on what was being sought. In particular, people want to engage with the Minister and the Department on what they need. I will give the Minister of State a copy of what they gave us on the night. The top-up payment of €22.50 for the rural social scheme is very little for 19.5 hours work and the great work people do in the community. Who would go out to work for €22.50 for 19.5 hours other than those who love what they do and love helping the community? That is what these people do and it is what they are about. I ask the Minister of State consider their demands and engage with the Department and the Minister.