Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I welcome the debate on this important issue which is also crucial for the future. This legislation has potential for more investment to benefit the weaker sections of society.

The Bill forms part of the debate on disadvantage even though many people in this House and outside it seem to think this debate is over. I remind all Members that poverty still exists in our society and people are still being left behind. In parts of the north side of Dublin, unemployment is at 16% in some housing estates. This is unacceptable when the national rate is down at less than 2% or 3%. The reality must be faced that society still has a significant problem and this should be acknowledged when dealing with this Bill.

I pay tribute to the Northside Centre for the Unemployed in Coolock which is doing an excellent job of providing support and social services for the weaker sections of society. It is important to acknowledge the work of the centre. A substantial minority in society believes it is being left behind economically, socially and politically.

This legislation allows the House the opportunity to put forward more progressive ideas, new policies and allow the Minister use some of the resources to serve and support the most needy. It is an opportunity to share the extra wealth being created.

The Dormant Accounts Act 2001 and the Unclaimed Life Assurance Policies Act 2003 were enacted to address the issue of dormant accounts in financial institutions. The main purpose of the legislation is to reunite account holders with their dormant funds held in such institutions, which is a fair provision. The legislation also introduced a scheme for the disbursal of funds that are unlikely to be reclaimed, for the purposes of assisting three broad categories of persons: those who are socially or economically disadvantaged, those who are educationally disadvantaged and persons with a disability. Responsibility for overseeing the disbursement of moneys for the above purpose rests with the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board which was established under the legislation.

This legislation will provide a glorious opportunity. It can no longer be accepted that children are still going to school hungry and are not receiving proper nutrition. Early intervention is the means of tackling educational disadvantage. This point has been made in the House by many Members to the Minister for Education and Science and I hope she will take heed. I acknowledge some resources have been targeted at the most needy in society and these progressive steps are to be welcomed.

Section 3 of the Bill refers to those with disabilities. I welcome much of the progressive investments and policies announced in the Budget Statement by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen. However, there are still 3,000 people with an intellectual disability on residential, respite and day care waiting lists. The money invested in these services must be spent wisely.

Many people have concerns about the manner in which the money is distributed into the system because the people on the ground do not receive the service. This is a constant complaint which I hear from parents and from those who work with people with intellectual disabilities. An organisation may be allocated €5 million but the same organisation may have 300 people on a waiting list. It is a question of the management of services.

Another factor to be considered is that people with disabilities and their supporters and advocates must be included as part of the management structures. Any radical reform in the Health Service Executive and other service providers must ensure that the voices of disabled people are heard on these boards. The people leading the disability movement are quality people and this must be unique when compared with other countries. People who have a disability in many cases have significant talent and constructive ideas to offer society. I would like to see them directly involved in the management of the services. I do not wish a situation where money is wasted and mishandled in the services. The extra moneys could be used and targeted for worthwhile projects.

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