David Norris (Independent)

This section is strenuously opposed. I was interested in the Minister's comments during the debate on section 30. She seemed to be somewhat queasy about accepting responsibility for this decision. She pointed out that the original decision was not made on her watch. I agree with that and accept it. If she had been there, perhaps a voice might have been raised against it. She honestly accepted that there continues to be a need for independent research etc. and she suggested that this need could be met within the Department. That has not been the experience of any professional body I have ever come across. I have been involved in politics and management long enough to know that the proposal to incorporate, absorb or swallow the agency into the office of social inclusion is bad practice and will inevitably militate against the independence that is necessary. It has to be considered in the context of the destruction, in effect, not only of the Combat Poverty Agency but also of every other organ that has spoken out on behalf of marginalised people. The Government has a really shameful record in this regard. I am sorry that some of my decent friends are involved in it.

The Minister, Deputy Hanafin, used soft language when she said that the work of the Combat Poverty Agency will be "enhanced and focused". I would hate to be "enhanced and focused" in this manner because it would mean the extinction, in effect, of the life form that I am. If it is not the case that the agency is being made extinct, in effect, why is every group speaking out, as a coalition, against this savage attack on the most vulnerable people in society? In the week in which we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is absolutely insufferable that the Government is embarking on such a swinging series of demolitions. I do not accept the Minister's response. I spoke at great length about this issue. I do not intend to be tedious on this matter, unless I am seriously provoked. I am sure I would be restrained by the Cathaoirleach if I were to attempt to be tedious.

I do not believe for a single minute that any money will be saved as a result of this proposal. Questions about the nature of these savings have been asked by Senators on the Government side. During the break, while we were waiting for the last division to take place, I checked whether anything was lingering in my little postbox and I was rather interested to find a document setting out the details of a Supplementary Estimate of €50 million that is being provided for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.