Mr. Michael Culhane:

The largest items that were not procured in accordance with public procurement procedures related to medical services for persons detained. From recollection, the expenditure is approximately €1.9 million. It occurs where persons detained require medical services. A local doctor is required to attend in road traffic incidents. Where a doctor is required to attend, the local doctor is used. The fixed fee paid is in accordance with a Department of Finance circular. The issue was in terms of procuring medical services and whether it was strictly in compliance with public procurement procedures and it was determined that it was not. We are in the process of putting in place contracts to procure the services.

The other item concerns the towing of cars involved in road traffic accidents or are causing a problem on a road. We use a local tow wagon operator to tow away the car. To ensure compliance with public procurement procedures, we are putting in place contracts across the country to ensure the contracts are in place as a result of a public procurement process.