Mary Henry (Independent)

This has been an interesting debate. The Bill is stroke politics at its worst. I am astonished Fianna Fáil, which is an astute party in terms of its monitoring of the electorate, has introduced such legislation. I am amazed given that party's problems in the recent local and European elections that it has brought it forward. The electorate will not be fooled by it.

I am involved in many charities and have repeatedly heard people say they will seek money from the dormant funds. Senator Leyden is correct, the Government is putting in place a simple system. Senator Ó Murchú is also correct to suggest that all that will be required is for people to knock on the right door late at night to be sure they get what they want. However, many other people will not be in a position to knock on the right door late at night to do this. They will remember how the Government changed the way in which such funds were managed.

When it was believed that the amount involved would be small, everything was simple and straightforward. I resent the suggestion that Members said civil servants would not be capable or impartial in administering these funds. I cannot believe that what was a good operation is being changed in this way. I support everything said by Senator O'Toole and Fine Gael and Labour colleagues. It is a pity the system is being changed in this way.

I have only one thing to say to Fianna Fáil Members. This is the type of action on which the electorate will pick up and remember. Many people will be left out and even if they are left out for good reason, they will feel it was because they were unable to knock on the right door late at night. I regret the introduction of this legislation.