Deirdre Clune
Question:66 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Finance the plans he has to assign additional functions to the National Treasury Management Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14228/00]
Written Answers. - National Treasury Management Agency.
I am currently preparing legislation which will confer a number of additional functions on the NTMA. The Bill is being drafted in the Office of the Attorney General and will provide for the establishment of a State claims agency which will enable the NTMA to manage accidental personal injury and property damage compensation claims against the State and to provide risk management services; a central treasury service which will enable the NTMA to offer deposit and loan facilities to health boards, vocational educational committees, local authorities and other designated public sector bodies; and a fund management service which will enable the NTMA to provide fund management services in respect of funds under the control of Government Ministers whenever such services are required by the Minister concerned.
It is expected that the Bill will be published shortly.
I will also be introducing legislation shortly to provide for the establishment of the national pension reserve fund in order to prefund part of the future costs to the Exchequer of social welfare and public service pensions. This legislation will give the NTMA a central role in the management of the fund.
I am confident that these legislative changes will allow the NTMA to build on the strengths it already possesses as a debt management agency and to use its expertise to provide further specialised services to the State which will result in savings for the Exchequer.