John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Book of Estimates and compliment the Government on prudent management of our economic affairs since 1997. The polices pursued by the former Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy, and the present Minister, Deputy Cowen, have created a situation where the confidence displayed is even recognised by Deputy Cuffe. He says the Government did not create that confidence but he certainly did not create it. Regardless of what coalition the Green Party would enter, it would not create any confidence in any sector of the economy. The policies pursued by the Government have transformed the State and led to the creation of an environment in which people can better themselves and entrepreneurs can set up businesses to compete in world markets, for which the Government should be complimented. The tax take has been considerable and made a valuable contribution to the development of the economy, thus enabling the Government to provide increases across Departments in the Book of Estimates.

The health budget of €12 billion is deserved and the 9% increase next year will go a long way to ensuring Professor Drumm and the HSE will implement a large measure of Government policy, thereby making sure services are delivered in a more efficient and expansive way. I am glad the education budget will increase by 7.9% to €7.2 billion. The social welfare budget comprises a significant element of Government spending and next year's increase will ensure those who are marginalised and less well off will benefit from the Estimates and the budget.

The Department of Social and Family Affairs should build in a bias into its spending in favour of the elderly who should be given significant increases, while packages for their care should be broadened. In addition, the bureaucracy associated with schemes such as the disabled person's grant and housing aid for the elderly should be abolished. Fast, efficient delivery of services is required for the elderly to ensure those who are sick and cared for at home can have their lot improved immediately. The same should apply to the payment of benefits. The increase in payments provided for the elderly should not be taken from them through the rent scheme operated by local authorities. There is a need for local authorities and Departments to work together with the Department of Social and Family Affairs to ensure increases provided for the elderly are not swallowed up by other State bodies. A minimum rent should be struck for the elderly, thus enabling them to be properly cared for in their homes.

The headline funding provided in the Book of Estimates is one string to the Government's bow, but we must look beyond this to the delivery of services. The directors of services in county councils and HSE managers, for example, are well paid and have benefited from benchmarking. We need to measure the efficiencies and productivity achieved through these additional payments and the best delivery of services that can be achieved for the public through these public servants, but that is not happening because they are not delivering services on time or efficiently. It is up to senior management in Departments to ensure greater value for money is achieved.

Accountability is a significant issue and the recent report issued by the Committee of Public Accounts on how the accounts of Departments are reported and spending is monitored should be taken on board by the Government. It would be a radical and progressive move if the Minister for Finance were to accept and implement it. If he did so, the powers of the committee would be extended and the Select Committee on Finance and the Public Service would have a greater oversight role in regard to departmental accounts and the budget. When that happens, there will be proper accountability for the money spent on behalf of the taxpayer.

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