Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)

In one go, the Minister has completely contradicted his philosophy on the appraisal of projects. He has introduced three different stages. At the first stage, the proposal goes to the public bodies and public officers and civil servants discuss it with their Ministers. The Ministers decide that the project will be considered. Then it goes back to Deputy Ó Cuív's table and he and his staff decide which projects to pick. The project then goes on to the third stage, when it comes before the Cabinet. Lobbying takes place and all the Deputies in different parts of the constituency and the country put on the pressure and decide, ultimately, where the €500 million will go.

This is a politicised, non-transparent system that is tantamount to a political slush fund. A dagger has been put in the back of the community and voluntary sector, which has been working well with this Government. I commend where commendation is due. The community and voluntary sector has worked well. It fought hard for its rights. When it all comes out in the wash, however, its members will not be happy.

There was mention of consultants, advisers and support staff in this legislation. Why were these provisions not introduced in the primary legislation when we had the existing dormant accounts disbursement board? It is a bad day for the community sector. There is no specific provision for consultation in the amendment Bill. For people working in the community sector, the major issues were a lack of transparency, communication and consultation. We need some form of consultation with the community sector. There is no feedback mechanism or communication mechanism and there is no appraisal system that involves the community and voluntary sector.

There will be a complete duplication of mainstream funding. That is clear from the Minister of State's contribution. He stated that the dormant accounts fund would assist "persons who are socially, economically or educationally disadvantaged, and persons with a disability." That could mean anything. There are areas which merit consideration and discussion, but this statement could cover anything. Senator Brady has always highlighted the problem of drug abuse and the resources that are needed in this area. Under the existing primary legislation, the dormant accounts fund was to provide resources for this, along with funds for CLÁR and RAPID areas. Senator Brady cannot contradict me on this. This is the existing focus of the dormant accounts disbursement board. That will no longer be the case. The Minister of State knows this.

The rural social scheme for small farmers was given another €10 million from the dormant accounts fund. The money for this scheme should come from mainstream channels, not from an account which could be used to aid the disadvantaged — to provide broadband in Sligo, west Galway or Kerry, or physical infrastructure.