Mr. Robert Watt:

I responded to the matter concerning Irish Water. I think that provides an opportunity and avenue for this committee to be involved.

In terms of local government, as I mentioned in response to Deputy Deasy, the vast majority of the spend by local authorities will now be raised locally. There will be a greater role for members of councils and their governance structures to ensure the money is well spent. I have never had an issue with any proposal which would involve the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General merging with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and taking over that function. I have no problem with that initiative. If that is the way people want to go or proceed then that is fine. There is a role for this committee to look at Exchequer funds through the local government fund into local authorities. Over time it will become a good deal less significant, as we know. I do not think there is any issue why the Comptroller and Auditor General cannot perform that role.