Ms Laverne McGuinness:

We fundamentally recognise our requirement for new financial systems. The requirement has been specified on several occasions. We expect the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to come back to us soon. The request has gone over to the Department for approval and it has been approved by the Department of Health. We have a significant specification for the financial systems.

The Chairman is correct with regard to PPARS and the entire debacle that ensued. It is important to say that of itself, PPARS is a very effective system. It is one of our better human resources systems. The Chairman suggested that our financial data was not integrated, and it is not, but we consolidate it to provide financial information. What we do not have, however, is the necessary level of at-the-desk ability to produce costings at a granular level. This would make the tasks of the accountants and those of decision makers who require that information far easier. We certainly require an integrated system. The matter is with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for approval. It has been in gestation for a long period and we will welcome it when we get it.