Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The EPA is an independent organisation. It is not possible to put this single division on a statutory basis. The Deputy suggested that the figure of €260,000 has jumped out of the air. That figure was arrived at in the Department. The fact is that this will come to €1 million over four years. The Deputy talks here about giving more money to the poor, the vulnerable and everybody else who is trying to find money. This is about saving money, where possible, in the best possible way. That has to happen. The hallmark of this Government is that it tries not to waste money. If it is a case of amalgamating groups and putting them together in a cost-saving way, so be it. That is the way to do it. That is the way one stands over it. As I have said, one cannot be throwing away money that is needed in other areas and for other new ventures, such as job creation.

See this speech in context