Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

It does matter because there is an issue of responsibility. My concern is people will be told to go on courses for the sake of it or they will be told this is the only course available in Tullamore so they had better do it or they will not get the payment. That is the reality of how the system could operate if this is not done properly. That is why there must be accountability. It really matters with whom the accountability lies. We have asked questions about the community welfare officer service and the Minister told us it is not a matter for her and it is not her responsibility. That is why I need to tie it down in this legislation. I need to be sure the Minister has ultimate responsibility to ensure courses are available and that the conduit for young people getting on courses to get their payment works because I will not be able to ask the Minister what Offaly VEC is doing. That will not be allowed. That is where the difficulty lies and why we want to ensure a proper chain of responsibility.

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