We need to take a hard look at voluntary aid – at home and abroad

YOUR report (June 28) that the HSE is to cut €80 million in direct state support from community and voluntary organisations is disturbing because it potentially affects those who are most economically vulnerable and threatens employment in those entities facing cutbacks.

The state spends a lot of money in the community and voluntary sector, but how adequate is the value obtained for this money?

The HSE provided a total of €3.91 billion in revenue grants to approximately 630 community-based entities in 2009. These had a combination of very far-reaching objectives, some of which seem similar to each other. The sum provided in 2009 is €1bn more than was provided in 2005 – a 33% increase during a period when the population of the country increased by 8%.