Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I propose we publish the correspondence to allow people to see what we mean. Is that agreed? Agreed.

No. 2457 is correspondence from Mr. Bernard Gloster, chief executive of Tusla, providing an information note requested by the committee in respect of contracts that were non-compliant with procurement guidelines. People will have observed the committee in recent months being strong in respect of such cases. Where there have been annual reports or financial statements suggesting non-compliance with procurement guidelines, we seek detailed explanations of why that happens. While the Comptroller and Auditor General deals with such matters as part of his audit whenever he conducts one, the Committee of Public Accounts henceforth intends to bring such matters very much into the public forum. Any time anything relating to non-compliance with Government procurement guidelines comes across our desk, we will write to the organisation seeking a detailed explanation and the measures in place to remedy the issue. Otherwise, it may continue. We highlighted some extraordinary issues in Tusla's 2018 accounts. The agency stated it would review the matter in 2019, but it is near the end of 2019 and still it states the accounts will be reviewed. Almost a year, therefore, after the end of 2018, it has not dealt with the issue. We might highlight some of the main issues.

Nevertheless, Tusla's response is good, comprehensive and gives great detail on everything over the relevant figure where there was non-compliance with Government procurement guidelines. It has given a breakdown by contractor under each heading. It is a proper response. We hope that by highlighting it, the list next year, and in subsequent years, will be greatly reduced, which is what the committee wishes to achieve.