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Seanad Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Nov 1998

Vol. 157 No. 3

Western Development Commission Bill, 1998: Committee and Remaining Stages.

Sections 1 to 7, inclusive, agreed to.
SECTION 8.

Acting Chairman

Amendment No. 1 is out of order as it involves a potential charge on the Revenue.

Amendment No. 1 not moved.
Question proposed: "That section 8 stand part of the Bill."

It is regrettable that the Cathaoirleach's office has ruled my amendment out of order. The section restricts to £250,000 the amount of money which the commission can dispense without the Minister's sanction. The amendment sought to increase that figure to £500,000.

Acting Chairman

The amendment is out of order.

I accept that but, with your permission, I will explain why we think it is a good idea — we should not stymie discussion on the matter and the Minister of State may wish to reply on this point. In terms of a worthwhile investment, £250,000 is not an exorbitant sum. The commission will act independently, bring forward its own ideas and will not feel it has the bureaucracy of Departments looking over its shoulder at every decision. This is why we welcome the principle of a commission rather than a direct arm of the public service. We feel the figure should be increased to £500,000, the appropriate funding for many projects which will be submitted. The commission should be able to deal with such projects. It is appropriate that for sums in excess of this, reference should be made to the Minister and his office.

I wish to support the proposal of Senator Connor. I did not speak on Second Stage as I know there is an urgency on the part of the Minister in getting the Bill through the House. I welcome the Bill and wish the new commission and its members the best of luck. I thoroughly agree with the speedy passage of the Bill. I welcome what the Minister said in relation to appointing three county councillors from each local authority to the Leader boards. I also welcome the fact that the Bill does not prohibit councillors from participating in the board of the commission.

I support Senator Connor's proposal to increase funding from £250,000 to £500,000. There will probably be many large projects coming before the commission and I hope the Minister will give some consideration to Senator Connor's proposal.

I understand the amendment is out of order. Two hundred and fifty thousand pounds is not a small sum of money. Those of us who are married and trying to pay mortgages find it a large sum of money.

The golden vale.

There are equally bad parts in the golden vale. Ballingarry is similar to Arigna.

Today the precedent has been set of establishing special areas.

No, it is done in consultation with the Department of Finance. Proper financial controls must be in place. However, it does not limit what the commission may give. It will have to consult with us and we will consult with the Department of Finance. This will be a speedy procedure. The funding is coming directly from the taxpayers' pocket and the provisions constitute good financial control.

Question put and agreed to.
Sections 9 to 23, inclusive, agreed to.
SECTION 24.
Question proposed: "That section 24 stand part of the Bill."

What happens if the board does not stay within the parameters set out in the Bill? What is the board entitled to borrow?

Section 25 allows the commission to accept gifts of money, land, etc., provided there are no improper conditions attached to it. In other words, somebody cannot say they will give the commission 20 acres if in return they receive £300,000. The commission can receive money or land from individuals who wish to support its cause.

What happens if it borrows more than is required under the law?

Local authorities have borrowed money at various times of the year. Health boards are currently prevented from doing so under a practice brought in by the previous Government and continued by the current Government as it is outside their control to pay much of it. Money can be drawn down very easily. Wages and running expenses will be paid by the Department of Agriculture and Food. The commission only needs funds for capital investment. There is a feeling that the limit should be £250,000 which is 40 per cent of what can be received in any period of time. I do not think the board is anxious to borrow money and we have had no representations in that regard.

Question put and agreed to.
Sections 25 to 29, inclusive, agreed to.
Title agreed to. Bill reported without amendment and received for final consideration.
Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."

I thank the Minister and Senators for their co-operation in passing the Bill.

Question put and agreed to.
The Seanad adjourned at 5.40 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 18 November 1998.
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