Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

To respond to the earlier point about public investment in HRI, as the Deputy will know, this year funding has been set at €70.4 million. The Deloitte report was published in 2017. It showed that the industry is worth €1.84 billion to the economy and is responsible for 28,500 jobs. The Government has a national funding commitment of €70.4 million this year, which is a really important driver and generator for the industry. However, the industry can be worth up to €1.8 billion to the wider economy. It is a small part of the overall industry, but it is an important part and driver.

I spoke earlier about the recommendations made by the committee. I have received them. The committee members have given great thought and consideration to the report. I very much respect the work done by the committee and the hours they invested in their deliberations. The members have played an important role. I am considering all of the recommendations put forward and will revert to the committee with my views. Likewise, in terms of transparency about salaries, where the State has a role and provides funding, I am assessing that in terms of the general practice and will review it in the context of what the standard practice is across the public service.