James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is very hard for me as a public representative to try and stand over that level of money having to go back into the Exchequer as it is not being spent on really deserving projects around the country. It is an area into which we could have put investment, and I think there was a lost opportunity there.

I welcome Mr. McCarthy's comments about work that is being undertaken by State agencies and his Department but I would ask that it be done quickly. Frankly, having to wait for another review and another report in a situation where we now face record levels of inflation is of huge concern. It is a point that has been made repeatedly by different organisations that have come to my office. I know it is an issue throughout the country. There are families who are to the pins of their collars. We have to deal with this problem up-front and come up with a plan rather than waiting for another budgetary cycle to see what the Department may or may not do. If there is a surplus coming in to 2022, and I hope that there will not be a surplus for the accounts in 2021, that there is some focus on that area.

I understand that of the Department's funding streams available to youth organisations and youth clubs, much is devolved into local organisations. On the analysis of where that funding goes, does the Department investigate where the geographical funding goes to municipal areas?