Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am not making any assumptions here. All of the facts and figures I have put forward reflect the facts and figures contained in the Citizens Information Board's 2010 report and other reports. I do not believe that the committee or the board should be intimidated by professionals having produced a report. We need to take this issue very seriously. The figure relating to front-line staff is the only one that indicates any potential benefit or that matters. It is interesting that we have obtained some clarity, particularly in view of the fact that the Comptroller and Auditor General wants 31 audits to be carried out annually.

That could be done by a compliance unit for €433,000, but the Citizens Information Board is proposing to spend three to four times that amount. It has not shown any wonderful efficiency. The only other efficiency it proposes is the potential freeing-up of front-line staff, which is, therefore, a key issue. Will the witnesses address the issue of volunteers? It is of concern if the witnesses are not interested in the detail of the report or the way figures regarding volunteers were moved around in respect of the report. Will the witnesses address the questions in terms of volunteers on the board and among front-line staff?