John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Stone. His opening remarks will form part of the record of today's meeting. While the work of the committee is centred on the allowances, it gives the opportunity to the employer and those either in the force or in the Defence Forces or their representative bodies to come here and explain the allowances and take away some of the mystery from the public commentary on allowances whether it be in the Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces or any other part of the State. I would like those present to view it in that way. It is a positive move by the Committee of Public Accounts to give the opportunity to representative bodies and to the administration of the force in this case to come here and put their views on the public record and perhaps to correct some of the misinformation that is out there. We have found it a very positive process and we have had very positive exchanges between all concerned. We will have just one further meeting. I would like the witnesses to avail of today's meeting in answering the questions the members have in order to clarify the different issues regarding allowances.