Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Absolutely. The effects of the Mullingar accord are spreading. The only problem is that it used to be the fashion to apply the word "may" in all circumstances. It is in this regard that I have had a dispute. In some circumstances, the word "may" is useful in legislation. In other circumstances, however, the word "shall" can be stronger, as is intended in this case. Deputy Morgan's point is good. We have often noted that various organisations and bodies are underfunded. I do not want to engage in a budgetary review at this point but I can think of several organisations that are underfunded at present. Deputy Morgan's amendment is quite appropriate in the circumstances under discussion.

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