Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The questions that have been submitted have been sent out. Members should understand that it is in all of our interests to know what questions are being asked in our name.

The next items of correspondence are Nos. 809C(i) and (ii), from an individual to the Taoiseach in respect of the issue of teachers not being State employees despite being covered by public sector pay deals. We have written to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on this matter and are awaiting a reply.

The next items of correspondence are Nos. 810C(i) and (ii), dated 13 October, from Ms Tereasa McGuire, chairperson of the Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board, MSLETB, providing an update as requested by the committee on the status of the 2015 and 2016 accounts, which are still outstanding. I propose that we write to the ETB saying that it is our expectation that the 2017 financial statements will be completed within six months of the year end. The Comptroller and Auditor General might wish to comment on this matter, given the letter from his office to the MSLETB. Is he satisfied that progress is being maintained?