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

At last week's meeting we referred to some of the institutes - Cork, Tallaght, etc. - about which we had received correspondence. I am of the view that we should examine the position in respect of those institutions in the context of the information we have received to establish whether we should discuss them, how they are funded, how the money is spent and how matters are dealt with at that level. It would be of assistance if we could establish a picture as to what is happening. We could examine the position with regard to Cork and the other institutes mentioned in the context of whether it would be necessary for us to consider their accounts in conjunction with the Comptroller and Auditor General. We can factor that into our work programme, with which we are about to deal.

Deputy Harris referred to St. Vincent's and St. Michael's. We have already agreed to invite representatives from St. Michael's to come before us and we are arranging to factor in a meeting in that regard into our work schedule. We have a great deal to do in the next two weeks and by the time the process relating to the section 38 organisations is concluded, we will be able to proceed. We have agreed to bring in representatives from St. Michael's, St. Vincent's and the National Maternity Hospital. I would like this matter to be included in our work programme at the earliest possible opportunity in order that we can conclude our deliberations on the section 38 and section 39 organisations.