Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Of course, people had a right to do what they did back then but the position has since changed significantly. I asked the Minister of State straight questions about the people who advise him. Is the individual in question subject to the Official Secrets Acts? Does he have unfettered access to departmental files? Has he signed a contract of employment with the Minister of State or with the State, even if he is providing his services free of charge?

The Minister of State indicated that on the basis of political representation from two individuals in a constituency, he decided to change tack and increase the level of money to be disbursed. I would have thought that creates a rather chilling response among the many people who believe these funds should be disbursed in a fair and equitable manner, based on established criteria. The Minister of State is suggesting that if two individuals jostle him around a bit he will throw more money at them. That blows the whole thing open. He has been very revealing, and I thank him for that.

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