Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I propose that we add that to the work programme. The AHBs are now major players in the provision of housing and their regulator is important. Is Can we agree, therefore, to note this under the financial statements? Agreed. As usual, this will be published as part of the committee's minutes on the web page.

I propose to move on to correspondence. As previously agreed, items that were not flagged for discussion for this meeting will continue to be dealt with in accordance with the proposed actions that have been circulated, and decisions taken by the committee in relation to correspondence are recorded in the minutes of the committee meetings and published on the committee’s web page.

The first category of correspondence under which members have flagged items for discussion is correspondence from Accounting Officers and Ministers and follow-up to committee meetings. No. R1496B is from Mr. David Moloney, Secretary General, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, dated 5 October 2022. It provides information requested by the committee regarding the catering contract to provide meals for Ukrainian refugees. It is proposed to note and publish this item of correspondence. Is that agreed? Agreed. Deputy Catherine Murphy and I had flagged this for discussion. There was one particular issue with that. I will bring the Comptroller and Auditor General in on this. The correspondence in response to our letter states:

The awarding of the specific contract as referenced in your letter is a matter for the relevant Accounting Officer. The role of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform includes the provision of guidelines ... [but] does not have a role in evaluating such transactions.

In relation to the tendering process and so on, does Mr. McCarthy wish to comment? What kind of tendering process was used there?