Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important the people understand the Committee of Public Accounts has a body of work to do and that this is not personal but members are here to ensure taxpayers' money is spent in an efficient manner. I ask those to whom the committee has written to work with members in a spirit of co-operation. It is an issue that pertains to the entire charity sector. In common with other members, I am aware of people working in various organisations throughout the charity sector who are doing fantastic work. While the clerk to the committee clearly will make contact, I ask those concerned to facilitate the committee, appear before it and work with members in a spirit of co-operation in order that this issue can be dealt with.

It also is important that this entire module being undertaken on charities is brought to as rapid a conclusion as possible. The committee must reach a conclusion on this matter and any people I meet from the charity sector tell me that although it is tough on them, they want the committee to deal with the matter in a proper and a forthright manner. In this context, members must consider that there is a beginning, a middle and an end to this process. At present, the committee is in the middle and the end will be when a better corporate structure is in place for the charity sector. This will enable the various bodies such as Rehab and the Central Remedial Clinic, CRC, to continue the work being done on the ground by those who are providing the services. Moreover, the service users and the taxpayers will have absolute confidence in the manner in which taxpayers' money is being spent. In that context, I ask today that in the spirit of co-operation, those to whom the committee has written appear before the committee next week on 10 April and work with members to bring about a better corporate structure for the charity sector overall. I reiterate it is not personal.