Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Earlier this week, the Government announced the establishment of the Office of Corporation Enforcement. I anticipate that we will face the same problems in regard to this organisation as we faced with the Tax Appeals Commission. I suggest that when the legislation for the new body is being drafted it include a section devoted to how it is to be resourced and funded. Currently, legislation is being drafted to give organisations the statutory powers to establish a board and hire a chief executive, with no detail as to who is to do the job. Our interim report specifically referenced that the Department of Finance had failed in its planning in regard to the establishment of the Tax Appeals Commission on an independent statutory basis.

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform must learn from that lesson and draw up a plan in respect of any new such bodies. I am conscious that one was announced two days ago. There will be an opportunity for those organisations, especially Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, to learn in advance in respect of any new organisation. That is my observation of where we are at now.