Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

In both Houses over the years, Members have been continually reminded that Ministers have little influence in the work of various agencies, such as the NRA, and that they are not responsible to the Oireachtas for the workings of those agencies. A quick glance at the NRA's recent report and the allocation of funding to local authorities clearly indicates political input and influence. It is no coincidence that some of the largest allocations have been made to counties Kildare, Clare and Donegal, to mention but a few.