Charities seek meeting with Cowen on cuts

The community and voluntary groups involved in the social partnership process are seeking a meeting with the Taoiseach to discuss government cutbacks.

The 17 groups say they are concerned that the Government's economic recovery plan seems to be entirely driven by cuts in public services.

They claim there is no plan to care for the most vulnerable people in society.

The groups want to meet Brian Cowen to discuss their proposals for this December's budget.