Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Many of Senator McHugh's comments could easily be expressed on this side of the House and should be taken as read. That would be the principle relating to the disbursement of any public funds. Recalling a previous debate on the issue, it was quite evident there were difficulties with regard to the disbursement board being able to handle the funds and the availability of staff. There were many central issues. I made a comment which was taken as casting aspersions on civil servants, but I have the utmost confidence in the Department and the Civil Service. They have their ears close to the ground, they do not work in isolation, they listen to public representatives and they have an overview of what is happening in the country.

I identify with Senator McHugh's points about the plethora of agencies. That issue must be revisited to some extent to ensure maximum value for money and an identification of demarcation lines and duplication. Anybody working on the ground would be aware of the issues, although I am not sure it directly relates to the subject we are discussing. While I agree with much of what Senator McHugh said, this is a different issue.

Much more of the money was reclaimed by the original owners than expected. That was good news because there was the sneaking feeling that we had somebody else's money. However, I was glad when almost 50% was reclaimed in the initial period. The amount of money available is less. I have no doubt about the focus because it relates back to existing programmes such as CLÁR and RAPID. These have a track record and a history with which we are familiar, and we have a good idea where the money should go. The Department has a better idea because it is responsible for the programmes.

We should make a distinction between the two issues to which Senator McHugh refers. The number of agencies is a matter for debate, but it is difficult to expect a board with a non-executive or temporary chairman to have full accountability or take responsibility for what is a relatively large amount of money.