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

We will take the views of committee members as expressed. While it is considered by some to be a sensitive matter, the appropriate letter can be written to the Department to get the answers. I do not want to reduce the importance of the issue raised by Deputy John Deasy. In my thinking, it goes along the lines of controlling and policing the committees, having one voice in the committees that does not in any way upset the status quo. Frankly, this is more of the same. While the separation of powers is important, it is also important that we hear the views and opinions of officials. It is akin to asking the clerk not to speak at a meeting. When democracy goes to that extent, it is a step too far. We will write that letter.

The other matter arising from the minutes is the draft report on the issue of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority. We now have a copy of it. There is a request from the clerk that if there are amendments, members should let him have them because we will publish it next week. We have been making some changes to the draft. I think next week is publication date.

On HL Commodity Foods, the clerk has circulated a note on the issue. When one reads it and recalls the meetings held, the company was treated most unfairly. It now falls on the Shannon Group to offer some remedy to the company. Will the committee agree to the proposals contained in the note circulated by the clerk? It details the key facts and gives an account of the review by the committee and suggests further action by it. In that regard, we are saying the committee can highlight what appears to have been an unwarranted action by a State agency. It also recommends that the Shannon Group, in consultation with the Minister, consider any remedy which may be appropriate in the case. It is extremely important that we state this clearly and make our views known. Is it agreed to endorse this proposal? Agreed.

We will now deal with correspondence received since the meeting on Thursday, 5 November. No. 3B.1 is correspondence, dated 9 November 2015, received from the Office of the Local Government Audit Service on the Louth Environmental Group. It will be noted and published.

No. 3C is documents for today’s committee meeting. Nos. 3C.1 to 3C.5, inclusive, are briefing documents and the opening statements for the meeting. The correspondence is to be noted and published.

Nos. 4.1 to 4.4, inclusive, are various reports, statements and accounts received since the meeting on 5 November. The Comptroller and Auditor General will take us through them.