Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There is no getting away from the fact that the subsection I have referred to and that I seek to amend is a provision for privatisation, either in whole or in part, of the scheme's administration, which is currently within the public service ambit and which, I strongly believe, should remain there. I support the review of the overall administration to improve it and make it more applicant-friendly and more easily understood. However, I will not and cannot support the provision, irrespective of the intent today or tomorrow. Clearly, the provision is for an intent, perhaps at some time in future, to move the administration of the scheme, in whole or in part, from the public service to private overseers. That is simply wrong. Those who currently seek access through the fair deal scheme and those who will present in future should not have to deal with private profit-motivated interests in having any part of their application or entitlements assessed. The process should stay wholly and solely within the public service, where it properly belongs. My amendment is important because it seeks to remove the offending section and reiterates the importance of straightforward and comprehensible applications procedures. Many of those who are presenting no longer have the same comprehension abilities that they once enjoyed throughout their youth and adult lives. The process should be simplified and made more understandable. Sadly, aspects of it are not ticking those boxes today. I believe my amendment achieves both purposes.

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