Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Doyle is most welcome. Corporate governance is something we have embraced only in recent years. I was delighted when the 2014 Civil Service renewal plan tried to introduce corporate governance in all areas. It shows professionalism in the Department, which I welcome. Corporate governance incorporates rules, practices and processes. It is a balancing act between the many stakeholders involved. There are the shareholders which include the Government, the management team or departmental officials and customers or the community. It is welcome that this is happening and that we are five years into the process. I suspect a strong private sector influence as I have noticed how many Departments have good knowledge. I am pleased to see people coming from private sector and that there is balance. I see this at the committees on which I sit, including this one and the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. People have come from the banking sector and bring a valuable approach. It is the way forward.

Mr. Doyle referred to the creation of "a dedicated governance division which deals not only with the Department’s overall governance requirements but also with the oversight of the 24 agencies under its aegis." The Department has a huge number of agencies under its aegis. How did it come to this? Was outside help looked for from other agencies or did the Department look internationally to see how it was managed in other countries? Our membership of the European Union has been very important. Germany and other countries adopt different approaches. Are there other countries - I refer to other small countries such as New Zealand - at which the Department has looked?

Mr. Doyle said the framework "clearly defines the Department’s relationship with the State bodies and the mechanisms to monitor output, outcomes and performance." That is welcome as everyone should be held to account.

I wish Mr. Doyle well in the future. As I said, there are 24 agencies and a lot is happening. As someone who came from the private sector, I believe that if we have money - the State is generating a lot of money - it must be spent prudently. I wish Mr. Doyle every success.