30/09/2009

Thousands March In Daíl Protest

Some 5,000 protestors are marched to the Daíl today, in protest against proposed cuts to the community sector.

Community activists, workers and employers in the sector set off from Parnell Square at 1pm today and gathered outside the Dáil.

The new campaign, Communities Against Cuts, claims the Bord Snip proposals could result in the loss of 6,500 jobs if implemented.

The Community Sector & Trade Union joint campaign is being organised by SIPTU, IMPACT and the Community Sector Employers Forum, and was formed in protest against disclosures in the McCarthy Report that would eliminate 6,500 jobs in the community sector.

In the run up to today's march, a spokesman for the campaign said: "We are calling on all community activists, community workers, volunteers and service users to mobilise and participate. We are also calling for solidarity from all public and private sector workers.

"Fight now to protect our Communities, preserve our jobs and local services. Join the Union, Get Involved, Fight Back!"

Community groups provide childcare, drug rehabilitation, education & training, youth support, community development and a range of other services which could not function without state support.

The cutbacks detailed in the controversial McCarthy Report have already led to the closure of some projects with some saying that if implemented the McCarthy report proposals could devastate the sector.

(DW/BMcC)

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