SELECT COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE debate -
Tuesday, 19 Nov 2002

Vol. 1 No. 1

Business of Select Committee.

Chairman

At this stage five Bills have been referred to the select committee: the one with which we have just dealt, the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Bill, 2002; the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Bill, 2002; the Unclaimed Life Assurance Policies Bill, 2002, and the Interpretation Bill, 2002. Second Stage of the National Development Finance Agency Bill will be taken this Thursday and the Bill will be referred to the committee soon thereafter. The Minister asks that it make the Bill our priority. A letter to this effect has been circulated. We will not be in a position to set a date until Second Stage is completed, but the Minister asks that we deal with the Bill as quickly as possible.

The Unclaimed Life Assurance Policies Bill extends the dormant accounts legislation to life insurance companies with effect from January next. The Department would like the Bill to be taken as soon as possible. I would like some idea from members as to when we can take the Bills in question. A Supplementary Estimate for a Vote with regard to the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Bill is possible at short notice. It could be taken next week. If we are meeting next week, it might be possible to take the Unclaimed Life Assurance Policies Bill. What are the views of members?

Ms Burton

I do not know whether I am joined in this by Deputy Bruton but, as finance spokespersons for our respective parties, we have a heavy schedule up to budget day. Other than the early morning meeting already agreed, I do think it is possible to schedule additional meetings until the week after the budget. While I am happy to meet then, I must have a high level of availability between now and budget day.

Mr. R. Bruton

I would go further and say it is not realistic to expect the Opposition to prepare and table amendments in the run-up to the budget. It will take some time to prepare amendments on both Bills, one of which has not been discussed in the House as it has just been published. The other has less in it, but it would be easier for everyone to leave it until after the budget. That would make life more civilised for everyone.

Chairman

The working group of committee chairpersons is meeting later this week to finalise time slots for committee meetings which have not been confirmed to my satisfaction yet. The request from the committee has been forwarded for consideration and we will have definite news, probably by Thursday, of our time slot for meetings.

I understand the concerns. It may be necessary to take a Supplementary Estimate next week at very short notice, but we will deal with it. In advance of finalising the agenda we will discuss some of these items with party spokespersons, if necessary. This is the crunch period for the committee with the Estimates published and the budget approaching. However, there is legislation that must be completed and returned for Report Stage in the Dáil before Christmas. There may be a busy two or three weeks ahead.

Ms Burton

Regarding the Minister for Finance's letter on the National Development Finance Agency, I have not had an opportunity to meet and be briefed by officials from the Department of Finance. If the Government is anxious to proceed, I do not understand the reason much of the work ascribed to the new agency could not be done through the NTMA. This is structurally not as necessary as the Minister suggests, unless he has something up his sleeve for budget day about which we have not yet heard. I have not had an opportunity, other than through references to the agency in the Fianna Fáil manifesto, to make a detailed examination or consideration of this legislation. I understand its broad thrust, particularly the debate that took place at election time, but that is all that I am familiar with. There has to be some time when we can hear exactly what is on the Minister's mind.

Chairman

As I said, Second Stage is scheduled to be taken in the Dáil this Thursday after which the situation will be clearer. The only small item of legislation that I ask members to think about is the Unclaimed Life Assurance Policies Bill on which there was broad agreement on Second Stage. While there are some technical amendments, it is not substantial legislation and the Minister is keen to see it effective for January. While I am not asking for a commitment now, it is a small item of legislation which I want cleared and back in the Dáil as soon as possible in order that it can be finalised before the Christmas recess.

Mr. R. Bruton

It is a lengthy Bill.

Chairman

That is the reason we are discussing it.

Mr. R. Bruton

It is difficult in this two week period to table draft amendments. We do not have a huge support staff - in fact, we have none and must do the work ourselves.

Chairman

The point is well taken.

Mr. Finneran

The Chair briefly mentioned an invitation to the Information Commissioner whom we should invite. If this cannot be done this session, it should be done as early as possible in the next. It has been a very useful exercise in the past, of which I would like to see a repeat.

Chairman

Is there agreement that we invite the——

Ms Burton

I accept what Deputy Finneran says. However, if the Information Commissioner comes, he will also be wearing his Ombudsman's hat. He has produced a lengthy report with regard to redress for widows who did not get a refund. If he is to come, I would like him to discuss that aspect as it particularly relates to the business of the committee.

Chairman

Do we agree to invite the commissioner wearing his two hats, perhaps with two separate items on the agenda?

Ms Burton

Next year.

Chairman

It will happen in the New Year.

The select committee adjourned at 2.40 p.m. sine die.