Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The graph on slide 6 of the PowerPoint presentation refers to the error rate from 2007 onward. It appears the rate is holding steady at approximately 5%, albeit it has risen slightly in four of the past five years. However, it falls within the margin for error. Are there sufficient mechanisms in place to force a reduction in the error rate? What is outlined is not a great result. One of the purposes of measurement is to try to force improvements and drive the rate downward. I previously worked in the private sector and I would have expected that, in light of the amount of monitoring taking place, we would have been able to drive down the error rate. I do not think the result is brilliant. Is Mr. Cardiff of the view that achieving a better result would prove too costly? The law of diminishing returns can apply. Are we just going to be obliged to be satisfied with a figure of 5% or does Mr. Cardiff believe that member states can do more? Is there a need to use more carrots and sticks? Is it the case that the system is too complex and that achieving a better result would just prove too costly?