Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is nothing sinister in what we are doing here. I note that the amendment from Deputy Tóibín seeks to delete the list of issues on which the Committee of Public Accounts can seek evidence from the chairperson of the new competition and consumer protection commission. These are standard issues which differentiate the deliberations of the Committee of Public Accounts from the deliberations of other committees that the chairperson can be invited to attend, and which are covered by section 25 of the Bill.

As I do not see any added value from the Deputy's proposal, I am not in a position to accept it. This is not an attempt to circumscribe anything. Clearly, an accounting officer is accountable to the Committee of Public Accounts for matters within the purview of the PAC. To other committees he or she is accountable in respect of other dimensions of the work of that body. There is nothing underhand about the provision.