John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I just wanted to make the point.

I agree with what Senator Ulick Burke said and echo what Senators Ryan and McCarthy said about the dormant accounts funds. I am glad the issue was raised because it is very serious. The rules governing the board that was set up were established last year and it now appears the Government wants to set these rules aside and use the funds in any manner it sees fit. This is highly inappropriate and unacceptable.

I join with my colleague, Senator Bannon, in requesting that the Tánaiste come to the House to discuss the job proposals she announced on the so-called "golden Thursday" before the last general election. It is all well and good for Government speakers to stand up and try to defend her, but the fact of the matter is that 2,700 jobs were promised on that day and none of them has been delivered to date.