TDs urged to oppose 'drastic' budget cuts
A campaign is to be mounted to resist savage budget cutbacks being imposed on vital services throughout South Tipperary.
Oireachtas members have been called on to represent their constituents by opposing the harsh measures that are expected in December.
SIPTU organiser Trevor Quinn said he expected Oireachtas members in South Tipperary to oppose moves in the budget that would mean the loss of jobs and vital services.
"We want TDs to support their communities. We want them to vote against the cuts," said the union spokesperson.
The SIPTU led campaign in advance of the budget will kick start on September 17 in Cahir with Oireachtas members invited to a special meeting attended by service providers and users.
"There will be people at that meeting whose quality of life is at stake in the budget. They will be telling politicians what it would be like for them if they were denied crucial services," he said.
The union spokesperson said that the biggest loser as a result of the budget would be the people living in communities who were relying on vital services including childcare, eldercare, youth work, social inclusion, addiction rehabilitation, disability, literacy, education and training.
"This is a critical campaign to all people who believe our communities are worth saving" stated Mr Quinn.
"The community and voluntary sector is a core element in Ireland's economy, employing over 64,000 people accounting for 8.4% of GDP. While the sector is varied and diverse they are cost effective programmes that deliver local solutions to local needs.
The union leader said that the community and voluntary sector has been identified by Government to suffer disproportionate budget cuts in the 2010-2011 budget; it is estimated that these cuts (minimum 9%-10%) will result in 5,000 job losses which may mean the the end of many vital services which are already struggling under previous budget slashes," he said.
SIPTU along with community leaders are holding information meetings across the country for local Dail representatives as part of an ongoing campaign. These meetings are to provide a platform for local service providers and those who benefit from the services to give their elected representatives an insight as to who these budgets actually hurt and the communities in their constituencies which will be adversely affected by further cuts.
Oireachtas representatives across Tipperary are now being invited to attend the information event on September 17 at 2pm in the Duneske Leisure Centre, Cahir.
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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