Call to reverse support scheme cuts

Union members and single parents have picketed the Dáil in protest against Budget cuts to community employment schemes.

And in another act of defiance against the Government, rebel Labour TD Patrick Nulty joined the protest and called for a U-turn on the cuts.

“The Government must exercise common sense and immediately reverse the disastrous cuts,” said Mr Nulty, who was expelled from the parliamentary party on Monday for voting against the coalition on the Budget.

“This cut has the potential to close vital services as without the materials grant there will not be sufficient funding to cover costs.”

Around 100 people took a stand after the Government announced funding cuts to social welfare, which will result in community schemes providing services to children, the elderly and single parents being forced to close down.

Siptu, which organised the protest, pointed out that the 66% cut means the funding of a materials grant and training grant has been slashed from €1,500 to €500 euro per scheme.

“In areas of disadvantage, community employment is often the only access people have to work, training and education,” Siptu campaign coordinator Darragh O’Connor said.

“The Government has said that fairness is a core principle with regard to this Budget. Let them demonstrate that is the case by reversing these savage cutbacks which threaten the entire future of community employment in our country.”

But Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore today rejected claims that the Government was closing down community employment schemes.

“It’s not true that the Government is closing down community employment schemes,” said Mr Gilmore.

“The Government is providing additional monies for labour activation. The amount of money provided by the Department of Social Protection for employment support measures in 2012 is almost €100m more than what was provided last year.”

Meanwhile, around 50 angry citizens descended upon the office of Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald in Clondalkin in a separate protest against cuts to the one parent family allowance.

Single mother Leah Speight, who took part in the rally, said cuts announced in the Budget will mean that once a child reaches seven years of age, the parent will be deprived of the payment.

Lone parents will also only be allowed to earn €60 a week, rather than the current €146, before the allowance is reduced – as outlined in the Budget reforms.

“This will force part-time workers out of employment and on to the dole queue,” said Ms Speight.

“It’s a huge step backwards for women in this country.”