Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

First, I would like to second Senator Ward's contribution on the changing of names. I have no interest in changing my daughters' names, but I have come up against the obstacles and complications that the Senator has highlighted. I have had many conversations on this issue. One stands out more than the others because it took place at passport control. I have one daughter who is a Wallace, one who is a Jones, and I am a Ruane. That has led to some very awkward conversations. Obviously, none of us look alike, which makes it even worse.

The issue I want to raise today spans across a few Departments, including the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, and involves everyone who is in control of funding expenditure for youth, addiction, community, and mental health services. Over recent months, I have had many conversations about the concerns of many of those services about underspends this year as a result of service provision being somewhat restricted due to the Covid pandemic.Service providers are afraid that when they seek next year's funding at the end of the year, the underspends will make them look as though they do not need so much funding. As the underspends were caused by a very exceptional year, I hope the Departments in charge of many of the community services will issue an instruction or guideline to them that allows a six-month grace period that lasts into 2021, thus allowing enough time for them to spend their money and they do not have to rush to spend it before the year is out.

It would be very helpful if the Departments were able to widen the scope for the expenditure because some it will not be spent on service provision and many projects may need to invest in particular capital that is necessary to continue to provide services due to Covid-19. Widening the scope would not cost the State any money because the money has already been assigned to the projects but would allow projects more room to manoeuvre and prepare for 2021 in terms of how different the work looks for many of these sectors.