14 June 2006
Dr. Henry: I second the amendment. This is a rather grudging Bill. None of us wanted to delay its passage because it has taken so long to introduce it and deal with the issue. Those who have had money taken from them for years, not through the fault of the Minister of State but through that of various Ministers and the Department over the years, should be in a position to know what is happening and be given plenty of notice. The Fine Gael amendment goes some way towards ensuring transparency regarding this issue.
It is very disappointing that so little money has been paid to people since we recognised it had been taken illegally. The children of those who are no longer alive may not pursue claims but we have a great responsibility to ensure that those who are alive are informed properly and not treated like children. It should be recognised that they have a right to know what is happening to the accounts.
