Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We will come back to the work programme in a few minutes. We can deal with it at the work programme stage.

Next is item No. 231C, correspondence from an individual based in Australia relating to alleged Government corruption. A number of allegations have been made but there is no specific detail. I propose that we write to the individual and explain that if he has evidence of corruption or other illegal practices, he should report them to the Garda. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The next item is No. 232, correspondence received from an individual at a company called Sager Management Limited who alleges failure by NAMA to provide for transparency in the sale of a property in Dublin 8. I propose that we write to NAMA forwarding a copy of the letter and requesting a response. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The next items are Nos. 242C and 254C, e-mails received from an individual who has been in contact previously about an investigation into practices at the University of Limerick. The person is requesting permission to appear before the committee in hearings with the university and also states others wish to have an input into the hearings. I propose that we write to the individual to explain that the committee's work begins with the Accounting Officer of the relevant Department or body. We have already said we will add the University of Limerick to our work programme when we are engaging with third level institutions. We will hold and consider the correspondence, but as regards individuals making presentations, we will explain how we start the process and see what happens after that. There is no commitment to invite the person in question. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The next items are No. 238C (i) and (ii), correspondence received from an individual working in a translation company who is raising issues about the response of the Office of Government Procurement regarding a tender for translation services for immigrants. In October the committee agreed, following the last response on the matter and given the fact that there was an ongoing legal case, to consider the matter closed from its point of view. I do not believe we can take it further and we have responded fully. As there is a legal case ongoing, we have to leave it to the court. As we cannot take it any further at this point, I propose that we close and note the correspondence accordingly. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The next item is No. 240C, correspondence received from the Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, regarding the North Meath Communities Development Association. The correspondence states the Department is examining the matter which has to do with a lease in north Meath. When the two gentlemen involved in the organisation came to my constituency office last week to discuss the matter further, I told them that we were writing to the Minister. We have received a response which states the Department is examining the issue. It is really only an acknowledgment from the Minister. The matter came up at the last meeting. We have written to the Minister and received an acknowledgment. When we receive the full reply, we can take the matter further at that stage. There might be a limit to whether we can do anything further, but we will deal with it when we receive a reply from the Minister. We will note the correspondence.

The next items are Nos. 241 and 248C, correspondence received from an individual who has highlighted problems in Caranua. We will note the correspondence which will be taken into consideration when engaging on the matter once the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the redress system has been laid before the committee. I understand it has been completed and is with the Minister and due for publication shortly. The issue concerns the residue in the fund arising from the Redress Board, of which the public might not be fully aware. In a sentence will Mr. McCarthy tell us what is involved?