David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I understand that Mr. Cody is limited in what he can say. He should feel free to completely disagree with me in terms of my analysis. What I see when I see systems in place that preclude us from talking about taxes that people can pay is a system of secrecy. I do not like a system that is built around secrecy. I would much prefer it if we had full transparency where we could examine all of these issues, particularly as messengers of the people. As a Committee of Public Accounts, we have a clear duty to examine systems, processes and procedures in respect of how money is raised and spent. I do not believe we are fully in a position to do that because of the limitations of that Act. I clearly understand that it is not for Mr. Cody to even comment on that. I am just making that statement by way of an observation. If Mr. Cody wishes to respond, he can.