Michael D Higgins TD

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Curran cuts in community funding would make Thatcher proud

Issued : Tuesday 15 December, 2009

The shocking announcement by Minister for Community Affairs John Curran that Government funding for dozens of community projects is to be axed with immediate effect will come as devastating news to these organisations and to the people who rely on their services.

These organisations have been providing vital services to the most vulnerable people in our society, and this act by the govt in ending any financial support that they get, is callous beyond belief.

The timing off this announcement, coming as it does a matter of days before Christmas is a shameful reflection of the mindset of this government. No organisation, no matter how worthy, or well run is to be spared the axe. No community, no matter how vulnerable will be immune.

We have already seen how this government consigned the entire partnership process to the dustbin of history. This development is a clear example of the government rubbing salt into the wounds of the community sector, by out of the blue, inflicting these savage cuts.

With today’s announcement, the cuts in public sector wages and reductions in social welfare payments, it is clear that this Government is dancing to an ideological tune that Margaret Thatcher herself would be proud of.