Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As Minister, I have responsibility for policy. I also have responsibility to resource the SFPA appropriately for the important job it needs to carry out. Section 68 of the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 very clearly outlines that the authority, the SFPA, shall "whenever required by the Committee of Dáil Éireann established under the Standing Orders of Dáil Éireann to examine and report to Dáil Éireann on the appropriation accounts and reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General, attend before and give evidence to that Committee on [various matters]".

The committee on which Deputy Verona Murphy sits has a very important role in the accountability procedures. The law very clearly sets out that it is legally separate from the Minister and that there should not be crossover between the Minister and the SFPA on operational matters. If there were, I, as Minister, would be breaking the law. Therefore, the accountability is on Deputy Verona Murphy - I know she is a temporary committee member today - on the committee and on the Houses of the Oireachtas instead.