Thousands protest against cut in community services

Thousands of people have turned out in Dublin for a protest march against proposed Government cutbacks in community services.

The march has been organised by the Communities Against Cuts campaign, which claims proposals in the Bord Snip Nua report would lead to 6,500 job cuts in the community sector.

The group says this would have a direct impact on vital services like childcare, youth support, drug rehabilitation and education programmes.

SIPTU president Jack O'Connor is due to address the marchers outside Leinster House this afternoon.