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

Deputy Dowds referred to the National College of Art and Design and the fact that the last set of accounts was from 2011 and 2012. Before it becomes an issue, I am anxious to determine if there is a progress report. Arising from the meeting we had with the National College of Art and Design, could Mr. Boland indicate what progress has been made to date on the issues that were raised and how they have been dealt with? A transcript of the meeting might help. We will see what progress has been made and measure what is going on in terms of the work to be undertaken.

Part of the duties of the 62 staff is to oversee the various universities and third level institutions. Because today's meeting is the first one of the session, a significant number of accounts are available that have been put before the Comptroller and Auditor General. Dublin City University was dealt with in terms of the trust and the accumulated reserves of €15.4 million. The other issue of putting money off-balance-sheet has been dealt with previously. I understand from Mr. Boland's reply that the HEA has instructed the institutes and universities that that is not to happen and the HEA will oversee it.