NO, says Dr Seán Healy

MARY McDONNELL has been caring for her daughter Sinéad for 50 years, and it’s not getting any easier.

YES, says John FitzGerald

Organisations that deal with people in need see the direct effect of the cuts on their clients. Noel Baker finds that they are hoping for a move away from the short-term approach that has left many on the brink.