Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

The Bill proposes a split in responsibilities and mixed competencies, which is not to be found anywhere else in the world. All claims by the Government to the contrary are untrue. Independent expert reviews of the Department of Finance recommended major reform, which is supported by all parties, but also explicitly advised against splitting the Department. The more one looks at the detail, the more confused it becomes. It is a recipe for conflict, bad policy and reduced accountability. It marks a backward step, not a positive one towards reform.

I am confused that the normal procedure associated with a policy position such as this was not followed in terms of the publication of a White Paper which would show exactly how the new fiscal and economic machinery of Government is supposed to work, including Estimates and timetables. That is an unacceptable oversight, in particular because neither party mentioned it prior to the election. In terms of accountability, it is not even clear who is responsible for the Bill that bears the name of the Minister for Finance. The press release was from the Minister, Deputy Howlin. The proposed change impacts deeply on the roles of both Ministers but it does not appear that both will be involved in the consideration and amendment of the Bill.

A total of €11 billion in revenue is included within the Estimates. That makes the difference between the gross and net Estimates. One cannot, for example, determine the gross spending on higher education without determining fees and the allocation of ESF funding yet according to the Bill all revenue decisions remain in the hands of the Minister for Finance. Considerable confusion could result from the confused manner in which the Bill was brought to the House.

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