Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank both Senators. The success of Government policies is a challenge to the schemes, given we now have 2.5 million people in employment. When we have so many people in employment, fewer people are available to work on the schemes. To be fair to both the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, and the Minister of State, Deputy Joe O'Brien, they have been listening and responding, and they have made a number of changes. However, as Senator Chambers said, they could go a little further. I undertake to ensure the points raised by both Senators will be relayed to the Minister. These schemes are an integral part of our communities, which would not function as well as they do if the schemes were not in operation. However, it is becoming more and more challenging to retain people on the schemes. No one wants to see the schemes disappear. I do not believe the Minister or the Minister of State want the schemes to disappear; on the contrary, they are supportive of them. I will relay the points raised this morning to them.