asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that a self-appointed group called United Way is establishing itself as a centralised fund raising agency for charity and that it proposes to make weekly payroll deductions from workers in the PAYE sector; if he approves of this proposal; if he proposes to co-operate with it in facilitating such deductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am aware of the existence of the United Way of Ireland which as the Deputy indicates, is a centralised fund raising agency intending to act on behalf of charitable bodies. I am not sure what the Deputy has in mind when he asks if I propose to co-operate with it in facilitating deductions. In any event, the question of deductions would be a matter in the first instance for agreement by individuals and then by their employers.

United Way of Ireland have indicated that they propose in the first instance to launch their scheme in the public sector and there is considerable unease among voluntary organisations that they were not consulted when United Way of Ireland was established. Those organisations are concerned that there will be a drain of funds away from them. Will the Minister indicate if he is prepared to co-operate with this group and if, in view of the widespread unease among voluntary organisations, he thinks this is a wise move?

If this group, or any other, had the intention of starting its activities in the Public Service it will be necessary to take the matter up in the first instance with the Department of the Public Service. It would be examined in as much detail as would be required. That was what I had in mind when I said it would be a matter for agreement first of all with the individual and then with the employers. I am aware that a number of organisations involved in the charitable areas are opposed to the development of such activities. That opposition would be taken into account in reviewing any approach that might be made by the new organisation to start its activities in the public sector.