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

It might not be the Department of Finance in this case but we can raise it with the officials next week when they are here. I raise this because it is a serious issue, regardless of who is in power. It is also vital to develop the whole concept of public accountability through the Comptroller and Auditor General and this committee. The issue will have to be pursued. The situation will change but the change is not happening quickly enough and is not keeping up with the changing dynamic in the economy and the country. Again, we will raise the matter with the Department of Finance next week.

Under matters arising from the minutes, the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board, NPHDB, submitted information on the development of the hospital on the Mater site. The clerk will prepare a short report on the issues involved which will be circulated next week. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Under correspondence, item 3A is correspondence from the Accounting Officers, while item No. 3A(1) is correspondence dated 20 November 2015 received from Mr. Noel Waters, acting Secretary General of the Department of Justice and Equality regarding clarification of an issue following our meeting of 5 November 2015. This is to be noted and published. We also have correspondence dated 20 November from Mr. Barry Ryan at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government regarding NAMA properties refused by local authorities which is also to be noted and published.