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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Feb 1937

Vol. 65 No. 7

Public Assistance Bill, 1936—Final Stages.

Question—"That the Bill be received for final consideration"—agreed to.

If there is no objection, I should like to have the Fifth Stage taken now.

The Parliamentary Secretary may remember that I addressed a particular question to him, which he did answer forthwith, but I wonder if the matter I raised has engaged his consideration in the meantime, and whether he proposes to give any clear decision on the matter or any clear guidance to any local authority who may be affected. The point was whether any subscription or subvention to a charitable organisation should be given without any conditions or right of supervision attaching thereto.

On the Committee Stage, Deputy Dillon raised the question of the possibility of interference with or an attachment of conditions to a grant by a State authority. I do not think the Deputy was in the House—perhaps he was, but I do not recollect that he was here at the time—when I dealt with that point in answer to his question. There will be no interference from any State Department. A grant under the Bill may be made by a local authority. The State does not come into it, or the Department of Finance. I do not think it is likely the local authority will be interfered with. In the case of the philanthropic society we have in mind, the one which Deputy Dillon and Deputy Doyle will have information about, I do not think there is any likelihood of that occurring. There is no specific provision in the Bill to prevent a local authority interfering in the management of the institution. I think the particular local authority concerned, who have experience of the work done by this philanthropic society, will be very slow to interfere in its affairs in any way, unless to give them a little financial help from time to time, largely by way of extending the accommodation necessary or by way of providing additional furniture or equipment. I think the Deputy may feel assured that there will be no interference in the excellent work that these charitably-disposed people are doing.

Question—"That the Bill do now pass"—agreed to.

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