Mr. Jim Ruttle:

I cannot speak for my friend from Tipperary, but on our side we have certainly told the executive side to get things in place and get things together. There is no longer a transitional period. The transitional period is over. The 18-month period has been replaced by a 12-month period. We have asked the executive side to try to get it right. I have received commitments that it will work as it should on this occasion and going forward. Public bodies should lead the way in submitting accounts. They should be an example of how things should be done. The education sector has gone through a huge period of change with amalgamations, etc. Sadly, this kind of thing can happen. The Chairman pointed out earlier that the statutory obligation should be the first priority. I could not agree more. As far as I am concerned, the statutory obligation to get accounts in here should be the first priority. We are working very hard at Kildare-Wicklow ETB to make sure that happens. The excuses run out. We need to have it in place. We have to do it. I believe we have dedicated and highly committed staff who go the extra mile or work the extra hour. They rely on distances and size and all. They are very good. I believe that from now on, the issue before us will not be an issue again.