Lord Mayor, I’m a firm believer that in the public service and in terms of work ethic there are  the good, the bad and the ugly.

And if you find the good, a public representative is lucky and it is those public servant employees that should be nurtured, encouraged and inspired.

I think in this economic climate, Irish society has been over harsh on the public servant. There are many who really enjoy their job making a difference and they should be encouraged to develop their talents and not hindered by cuts, cuts, cuts.

I also think in that light, there is way too much emphasis on rebuilding the economy and too little emphasis on rebuilding society after the crash. We are also turning into a society of worriers and of apathy. I happened to be in Germany recently and the headline of one of their national newspapers read that “Ireland has lost its self confidence”.

And so when I look at the danger that this city will lose five community wardens whose job brief encompasses building a sense of confidence in our communities, I am completely appalled and annoyed.

Their work ethic reveals the work of not just five people but probably that of 20 people

One reads in this report of bonfire nights events, clean-ups summer camps, walking groups, summer fun days, voluntary emergency services exhibitions, supporting local youth cafes, patrol of estates, calling to people and businesses, home visits, overseeing the probation and welfare graffiti,painting schemes, local schools work, Muga mornings, driving the community buses and so much more

….and we as a Council are happy to blasé accept that there is no funding there to secure their jobs

They are probably doing the work of 20 or more people, what we get for E.200,0000 their collective wages, we reap dividends in moving the areas they pursue work in …

 I’d like to call upon this Council to write to the relevant minister, bring him to Cork and show him what work is going on and what he is getting in return for these community wardens.

If we don’t secure these jobs, this city will have to pay more to clean up the growing worry and apathy inherent in Irish society.