Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this Bill. As stated by previous speakers, this Bill is necessary because moneys in the dormant accounts fund are not public but private moneys belonging to individuals. It is rightly believed that there should be a board to disburse these funds and to ensure they remain at arm's length from the political process and Minister of the day, be that as heretofore the dormant accounts fund board or, as suggested by previous speakers, an Oireachtas committee. The disbursement of these funds must remain at arm's length from the Minister of the day.

As stated by Deputy Pringle, there was only modest expenditure in respect of operation of the board during the past number years. Expenditure in this regard in 2010 was only €118,000. However, there is scope for further reductions in terms of board fees of €65,800, almost half the cost of operation of the board and €40,000 in consultancy fees in 2010. These are two areas where serious reductions could be achieved, if the board were to continue. There are however other options open to the Minister, including, as suggested, an Oireachtas committee. As I stated, one way or the other disbursement of these funds should remain at arm's length from the Minister of the day, irrespective of who that Minister might be.

There is no doubt but that moneys arising from this fund have resulted in excellent work throughout the country. Three RAPID areas, Carrick-on-Suir, Tipperary town and Clonmel, have received moneys from this fund for worthwhile initiatives such as child care, after school homework clubs, drug rehabilitation and the community and voluntary sector. I would like to put on record an appreciation of work done through funding from the dormant accounts fund. Elm Park, Clonmel, is a large estate of 310 houses. The Elm Park Area Childcare Committee has, with dormant accounts funding, built and is now operating a child care facility in that area. It is a modern building which provides an excellent service of the highest standard. This facility is a huge support to the local community and young children. We all know that there is huge advantage in supporting and educating children at a young age. Moneys utilised for the operation of such facilities result in huge pay-back over time. Work done with young people in the education field results in huge benefits and savings to a community in later years. I would like again to put on record an appreciation for the work done by the Elm Park Area Childcare Committee and other committees throughout south Tipperary and I am sure the country. Pobal operates these funds. I am involved in the child care facility in Elm Park and in my experience, Pobal is an excellent organisation which is very supportive of local committees and voluntary organisations.

I refer to a situation in south Tipperary last year which, thankfully, was resolved yesterday. People working on a discontinued scheme have been waiting for more than 12 months to receive redundancy payments. I hope the Minister will ensure that participants in schemes provided by means of dormant accounts funding are properly remunerated and are provided with proper access to their full entitlements. I refer to an uncompleted scheme in Tipperary town and now, 12 months later, the participants are only getting their entitlements under the Redundancy Acts.

I thank the Acting Chairman for this opportunity to contribute to the debate.

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