Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I will not mention hurling at any stage but will stick as much as possible to the Bill. I welcome the development mentioned in the Minister's speech, whereby since he took office there has been a reduction in the number of departmental agencies from 21 to 12. Cost savings in this area are of great importance. I wish to emphasise what it means, both to the Government and the public, to see this level of waste is removed. I encourage the Minister to continue in this line.

The decision to dissolve the dormant accounts board is correct, for two main reasons. There is a decrease in the level of funds within it and the removal of the board will save a certain amount of money. This sum may not be large but considering the state of finances it must be taken into account. The level of funds getting into the account is decreasing at a rapid rate.

As one who worked in the area of disadvantage for some years, I saw how the dormant accounts money was spent. It played a role in improving living standards for people through money spent on new projects, community groups, etc. This money is very important to communities and for many people it opened doors that previously had been closed. It allowed an opportunity to other people who may have believed their chance in education or in life was gone. From the examples I have seen, this money has always been very well spent in areas of real need. That is why I welcome what the Minister stated in his speech to the Seanad, namely, that the objectives underpinning disbursement from the dormant accounts fund will remain unchanged. This disbursement will assist persons who are economically, socially or educationally disadvantaged, or who have a disability. That is welcome.

Considering the economic times we live in and that, as a Government, we must attempt to balance the books, it is important not to forget the most vulnerable among us. That is why, no matter what changes take place following the passing of this legislation, the fund should be aimed at those who need it most. I encourage the Minister and his Department to continue to work with the many groups who work within the community and explore how best such funds may be wisely spent. These groups are best placed to see how to get the most out of the money. I hope regular consultations will take place and allow these organisations the opportunity to plan how best to do this.

One example of the many successes of the dormant accounts fund was the RAPID programme and the way its money was spent. Areas that were designated with RAPID status can show tangible results, whether providing for the purchase of community buses or allowing educational courses to proceed in disadvantaged areas. These sorts of projects were very quickly visible on the ground. Even though the fund is becoming small I hope they will continue to exist.

The Bill transfers the statutory functions of the dormant accounts board to the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. This change will lead to savings that many may consider small but which are still important. Even though the fund involved has decreased it can still be used to fund important projects and I hope the Department will use the money wisely. The Bill will strengthen the oversight of the Government and the Oireachtas in this area.

Taking that into account I welcome the fact that any plans for disbursing these funds will be brought before the Oireachtas for debate and scrutiny. At a time when scrutiny of our public finances has never been more important it is important the public believes that even funds which are diminishing are spent as wisely as possible. Perhaps one of the main reasons for this change is the dwindling amount of money in the fund. In 2003 the amount was €198 million; in 2011 it is down to €38.4 million. Disbursal of this money began in 2004, peaked in 2008 with €73 million being distributed, and went down to €20 million in 2010. Considering the decline in the level of the fund it is hard to justify the need for a board to oversee it. The board itself raised some concerns about this matter, stating that bringing the fund into the Department may be seen as streamlining the money along with other services and projects. However, from what the Minister stated, I do not believe this will become an issue. It will be necessary to ring-fence the money within the Department from now on and give it to those who need it most. I encourage the Minister to spend this money in a proper way when he sets out budgets on a yearly basis for relevant Departments.

I welcome this Bill which will allow the State to save money while continuing to focus the fund into specific projects that will benefit from it. I encourage the Minister and his Department at all times to consult with relevant bodies to continue with the great work they do.

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