Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)

Let us assume for one moment that the Minister is sincere in declaring that this decision is not about silencing the voice of the Combat Poverty Agency. In that event, why will she not accept amendments Nos. 39 to 45, inclusive? Amendment No. 39 states:

In page 24, between lines 16 and 17, to insert the following:

"31.—The new division established by the integration of the Agency with the Office of Social Inclusion shall examine the nature, causes and extent of poverty in the State for the purpose, commission and interpretation of research independently of the Minister.".

Amendment No. 40 states:

In page 24, between lines 16 and 17, to insert the following:

"31.—The new division established by the integration of the Agency with the Office of Social Inclusion shall promote greater public understanding of the nature, causes and extent of poverty in the State and the measures necessary to overcome such poverty independently of the Minister.".

The subsequent amendments, up to and including No. 45, contain similar wording. If this is not about silencing the voice of the Combat Poverty Agency and stopping it from revealing the extent and nature of poverty across the State, why will the Minister not accept those amendments specifically? I ask her to address that point.

As to her comments on the review group's recommendations, nobody in this House would be fooled by such a proposition. We all know the saying that "He who pays the piper, calls the tune", so we will not fall for that one. The Minister said the recommendations included the mutual enhancement of both bodies, but that is utter nonsense. On Committee Stage, she could not even tell us how much will be saved by the amalgamation of both bodies. Can she do so now? This is more about silencing than saving, which is why the figures have not been examined. The priority is to shut the messenger up and ensure that message does not get out by wiping the agency off the board. The Bill marks a significant change of direction by the Government, which will damage society. It will also significantly lessen the opportunity for a swathe of society, including politicians and sociologists, to deal with what is happening. That is most regrettable.

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