Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

I remember one night when Deputy Durkan was sitting where Deputy McGinley is now. He raised a question and spoke from his heart. When I replied that the issue related to an independent board and that the Minister could do nothing, he made a long speech. He spoke on how this House had derogated power to others and how this removed accountability from public representatives. I remember noting his contribution and thinking I would hold him to that point one day.

On another day Deputy O'Shea asked if the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board would make reference to the plans of the area implementation teams. I had to answer that there was no mechanism in the arrangements to deal with this. There is a fundamental difference in this case. We stand before the electorate and see things we would like to improve. Most Members are motivated by the highest ideals when they enter the House.

When we became Members, we were shocked to find we had so little power to bring about change, make decisions and ensure accountability because at every turn we were told there was an independent group which had been given the relevant power. We have all asked at various times what madness gripped us because our electors want us to take responsibility for decisions.

I assure Deputy O'Shea that the Labour Party is not behind the door. I remember at one stage I received a letter which I have kept and might frame some day. I thought it was funny. When I was an elected public representative but not in government, I applied to a certain Department for a grant. The Labour Party was in government at the time and I did not go to anybody about the matter. I was perfectly entitled to the money but was amused to received a letter from the Labour Party Minister informing me he had awarded me the grant. I have the letter filed away. It is a grand souvenir to have of the game. He did not and will get my vote.

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