Chairman:

I have one or two questions for Mr. O'Connor. I have listened to Senator Black's focus and recognise that Mr. O'Connor's office can only be activated by refusals by the authority or referrals by the Minister, as the case might be. In terms of the role of the Charities Regulatory Authority and the appeals tribunal, does Mr. O'Connor believe that the full need is being addressed by the entities or structures that are currently in place? Will they be able to address the concerns referred to by the Senator which are quite widespread in public opinion today vis-à-vishigh-profile charities where significant payments were made to officers of those charities?

Senior figures working in the area of oversight of the health sector have, on many occasions, expressed concern that the HSE is funding entities without sufficient oversight or accountability. Does Mr. O'Connor, in his newly designated role or based on his earlier experience, have a view as to whether or not all of these areas are now being adequately covered, addressed and provided for, or does he believe there is still a need to look at the formulation of entities which have been entrusted to ensure the highest standards and real accountability and transparency across the board? This, ultimately, is what Seán and Áine Citizen want to see. They want confidence restored.