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

I welcome the witnesses. I acknowledge the extraordinary work done by personnel in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with many of whom I have had the privilege of dealing in the past few months on passport applications. I have no complaints about the manner in which they carry out their duties. I also recognise with some appreciation Mr. Burgess's reference to the launch of the LGBT+ staff network, particularly among his own staff, which is commendable, given the week that is in it.

I propose to focus first on the overseas aid programme and later the passport service. I was one of the three members of the committee who travelled recently to Tanzania, with the clerk, staff of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General and Mr. de Búrca. It was an eye-opening and extremely worthwhile visit to understand what the Irish overseas aid programme delivers. It is without doubt a worthwhile project across the globe. While some of my experiences were harrowing, others were incredibly uplifting. I also thank Mr. de Búrca for the information he supplied the ambassador, Mr. Sherlock, and his staff in Dar es Salaam and also his personal staff for their extraordinary hospitality.

There is reference in the Comptroller and Auditor General's report and also in Mr. Burgess's opening statement to the publication of statistics and analysis of fradulent transactions within the budget. In his opening statement Mr. McCarthy referenced that the figure of 0.026% was in line with international norms. My understanding is it is the after recovery figure. The figure of 0.43% for 2016 is above the norm. Perhaps Mr. McCarthy might comment on the matter.