Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As with previous speakers, I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak to this Bill. I compliment my colleague, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, for introducing this forward-thinking Bill. It is ironic that there are few people sitting opposite today as the new Friday Dáil sittings provide an ideal opportunity for people like us on the Government benches to introduce important legislation. That point should not be missed.

The contents of the Bill have been outlined by previous speakers. Although it will not provide more taxes for the country, it will introduce more transparency, which is important, giving people a sense of knowing where their money goes. It is important that we should know how much money we pay that goes towards primary, secondary or third-level education, agriculture or health. In 21st century Ireland, people are more knowledgeable and inquisitive about where their money goes and it is important to give as much information as possible in that regard.

Earlier in the year we introduced a €100 household charge but people were misinformed by members of the Opposition about the purpose of that money. As time went on people were told the charge would facilitate essential services in the community, such as maintaining roads, parks, museums and swimming pools. That is what the money is for. It is important we inform people as much as possible about how the money paid in taxes goes towards essential services that must be paid for. Without those services, we would not have a society. It is vital that we debate such issues. Some people believe that everything is for nothing but we must put facts and figures on the table and transparency is important in that regard.

I welcome the element of the Bill which outlines details for purchase orders. Over the years we have seen how substantial amounts of money have been wasted, and such problems must be addressed. A main point of the Bill mentioned by previous speakers, both in a positive and negative fashion, is whether information should be on-line or come through the post. We are all highly technical in the current age and increasing numbers of people have access to the Internet. It is essential that a letter containing the information would be delivered to people's doors. If a letter with a harp symbol arrives, it is taken seriously; it is not thrown in the bin, torn up or burned. People will remember its purpose and will most likely file it for later comparison in other years. The Minister indicated there would be substantial cost involved but in some ways the cost would be worth it over time.

There is much work to be done on the Bill and I look forward to contributing as we move through the process. The more transparency brought to the system, the better. It is important that the people are brought with us as society is in difficult times, although people may be tired of hearing this. The more information supplied to people, the more knowledgeable they will become and the more they will be prepared to buy into the process of getting the country up and running again.

I welcome the Bill and compliment Deputy Murphy for the time, energy and work put into the Bill. I also compliment the Minister for his positive sentiments towards the Bill and I hope that by this time next year the Bill will be of use to society in general.

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