David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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This is a large Department and it has responsibility for many areas. We could all approach this matter from different perspectives and raise different issues. I foresee problems. Some of the frustrations that we have already heard will be multiplied by 50 on the day if we all go off, prepare and come back only to be told that we cannot deal with those issues. The Accounting Officer will say that he is accountable for the money that is transferred and, after that point, the money becomes a matter for the organisations. Consider some of the issues. We will be told that rates are a matter for local authorities, water services are a matter for Irish Water, property tax is a matter for Revenue, local government funding is a matter for the local authorities, housing is a matter for the housing agencies and the local authorities, motor tax is now a matter for someone else and goes into Exchequer funding, and community services are grant aided via various organisations, etc. If that happens on the day, you will have a difficult day as Chairman because we will all be frustrated. I am only putting this out there in bright lights.