Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on whether cuts made to the community and voluntary sector during the course of the economic downturn have been disproportionate considering that in 2009 when Government expenditure increased by 6% his Department's budget, which funds essential community infrastructure decreased by 8% and in 2010 while Government expenditure decreased by 8% his Department's budget was cut by 10%; his plans to reverse this trend and defend the community and voluntary sector from budgetary reductions. [38986/10]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, in the current economic circumstances we continue to be faced with very difficult decisions. Over the course of the economic downturn, the Government has considered a number of measures to maintain a prudent fiscal outturn for 2009 and 2010 and also to provide the basis for a sustainable approach to the current financial situation. Across Government, our approach has been to do this in as balanced a way as possible. Notwithstanding these challenges, the Government - and indeed my own Department - remain committed to supporting the community and voluntary sector.

To the greatest extent possible, savings in this area have been sought through efficiencies, rather than through reductions in services. While the allocations in most expenditure programmes were reduced for 2010, my primary concern has been to make every effort to ensure that the daily front-line services provided with funding from my Department are protected, especially those focused on the needs of the most socially deprived communities. Clearly, in the prevalent financial circumstances, objectives will have to be pursued with less resources than previously. However, we will continue to strive to achieve good outcomes and value for money, notwithstanding these constraints. The Deputy will appreciate that the 2011 allocations will not be decided until the Estimates process is completed within the framework of the forthcoming Budget.