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

I am just wondering about the allocation of €124,000. It is not clear that this sum is required to make up a shortfall or because it is needed for running costs or whatever the case might be. Is the €124,000 approved on the basis that Mr. Culhane has examined the accounts of the society and concluded that all pay scales and payments of expenses are within reason and the organisation could not function without that allocation? Surely there is at least that level of examination? Otherwise, this organisation is simply getting €124,000 without making the case for it. I realise the work it does is good, but the documentation before us indicates that the allocation is €124,000 most years. Does Mr. Culhane examine what is going on behind that organisation in order to determine whether this allocation is actually needed and if the secretary and assistant secretary, whomever they might be, are being paid within reason? I am not saying there is anything wrong about the allocation - I am just questioning how the audit committee or Mr. Culhane, as the person who receives the accounts, views and examines them.