I move amendment No. 1:
In page 8, to delete lines 29 to 32.
I am tabling this amendment again because the Minister of State might, to use his own words, reflect on it in view of my strong views. I hope, having had time to reflect, he will accept it. I remind everyone of the concern I have. Section 8(3)(i) which I wish to have deleted states:
subject to subsection (5) of this section, [which deals with the functions of Bord Gáis Éireann] subscribe or guarantee money for charitable or benevolent objects or to or for any institution or for any public, general or useful object. . .
Subscribing money for charitable or benevolent purposes should not be the function of a State body, other than State bodies specifically established for that purpose. It is not the function of do-gooders, as we have often seen before, to make charitable donations, and it should not be the function of a State body to use taxpayer's money to do so. My real concern is that this is so wide open, it could enable a Bord Gáis sub-board to make political donations in the future. Yes, they are limited by subsection (5), but I am talking about something such as the proceeds of two golf classics being given to a political party.
Everybody in business is inundated with requests to make political subscriptions, but this provision is far too open. We are also inundated with requests to make charitable donations, but this is State money. I am not being a scrooge, but it should never be the function of a State board to use taxpayers' money for its own favourite charities, causes or political parties. If it is done for commercial, market reasons – in other words, if they decide to sponsor something – that is all right. It is being done for clearly spon sored commercial reasons with a good commercial objective behind it.
I urge the Minister of State to accept this amendment. This is bad law and I have never seen it before. The Minister of State said it is already in the functions of An Bord Gáis, but we should not reinstate it in the functions in this legislation. The Minister of State agreed to reflect on this case and I hope he has had time to do so. No State board should use taxpayers' money to make donations to its favoured hobbies or charities, and certainly not to its favoured political parties. I hope the Minister of State will accept my amendment.