Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

There is a lot of potential for reform and the Minister of State, Deputy Finneran, and I are dealing with the issue. We hope to produce a headline agenda. I hope the House will consider the small changes to be made with regard to PPS numbers as one small step in introducing a comprehensive set of reforms. I have always believed in the jigsaw approach, with many small pieces forming a coherent big picture. If one opts for a big bang approach - producing the picture in one step - one will often get nowhere because a single piece might hold back the effort made. I am committed to completing the process.

Senator Mullen referred to Tús. My colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Connick, has provided materials for small coastal works. That will not be of much use in County Westmeath, but it will prove beneficial in other counties. We will provide the labour. There is a lot of State money available that could be used to much better effect in availing of schemes and using materials from relevant front-line Departments, including those responsible for the Gaeltacht and arts, sport and tourism. We will consider such issues.

I keep hearing the myth that there is double claiming, in respect of which certain sectors are always accused. Some are indigenous such as the Traveller community which is always accused of this by the public at large. Certain residents from other countries who have come to live here are also accused of it, with certain nationalities attracting the accusation like a lightning rod. The evidence I have is that such claims are untrue. There are only 35,000 Travellers. As such, some of the myths are out of kilter with reality. The production of the card will help to sort out the issue and if there is such a practice, it will be stopped as a result. It will also put the debate to bed, while protecting people's good name. In fraud control we must separate myth from fact. With better control systems, sections of society can be protected from allegations.