Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I strongly support amendment No. 1 and commend Deputy O'Shea on moving it. The rest of the Deputies in the House have no alternative but to support this amendment even though we have major concerns about the Bill. The amendment is important and adds teeth to the legislation.

It is important to remind ourselves of the Freedom of Information Act 1997, the previous authority that Act had and how it was gutted. Many people, not just politicians but citizens, voluntary groups and community groups, have serious concerns about the effects of this Bill. People believe it will be a slush fund. Some claim it will be a war chest for the next general election in 2007. It is unprofessional and unethical and there are serious questions to be answered. It is estimated that the fund could be in the region of €200 million, which is a serious amount of money which could be distributed in a professional and impartial way to a considerable number of groups.

It is important to recognise the role of many voluntary and community groups that are applying for the funding under this Bill. There should be transparency about who is directly involved. A recent example involved the Irish Learning Support Association, which is based in Drumcondra Education Centre. The association applied for funding but was turned down. This is an organisation which provides services and backup services for teachers with regard to children with disabilities. The refusal of the association's application is unacceptable.

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