Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I endorse what Senators Ryan and McCarthy have requested, namely, that the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, explain in the House why it is necessary for him to disregard an independent board established by the Oireachtas by way of legislation just two years ago and to show no confidence in its ability to allocate the funds of dormant accounts. I ask that he explain why he has taken it upon himself, as is his pattern over the years, to have a slush fund at any cost and why he has failed to implement a scheme introduced in the last budget. He has even failed to provide an application form and other relevant details to the individuals who would benefit therefrom. He cannot say other than that he wants a slush fund.