Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. McBride for his patience. I apologise for leaving him for almost five hours. Unfortunately, as the Chairman outlined, that is the nature of this House from time to time. I welcome Tusla's third-year audit and its clear audit from the Comptroller and Auditor General. While not wanting to diminish the exceptions relating to procurement, payroll etc., they are rather usual.

It is not just State money that is involved in funding the Child and Family Agency. We note Atlantic Philanthropy's generous donation in the accounts. I also thank the Committee of Public Accounts secretariat for the preparation of the report given to me, mirroring that produced by the Comptroller and Auditor General. I also commend Tusla on the format of its accounts, which are quite refreshing in comparison with what is produced by some Departments. I found them very easy to read and I thank Tusla for that.

I note that the agency managed to spend all but €700,000 of its allocation, which is a significant decrease on the €8 million left over in the previous year.

Procurement is the biggest issue identified here alongside some technical smaller matters. Tusla's internal process identified €5.2 million whereby competitive processes were not used in the procurement of goods and services. It was quite disturbing that the Comptroller and Auditor General's audit found more that Tusla had not determined. I ask the witnesses to give me some detail on the three-year plan on procurement that was mentioned. I will not be specific as to whom I ask the question of - Mr. McBride might like to start.