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

Following that we have an engagement pencilled in with the National Treasury Management Agency in its capacity as the State Claims Agency to examine Chapter 20 on the management of the clinical indemnity scheme. I know this is an area of particular interest to some members, particularly given what has been the topical issue for the last fortnight or so.

Following that, an engagement with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is proposed to examine its latest set of financial statements. I originally proposed this engagement for inclusion in the work programme given the importance of some of the expenditure in this area, including on the national retrofit scheme and electric vehicle infrastructure. We engaged with the SEAI in March on its 2020 financial statements and I understand its 2021 financial statement will be available for us to examine in the new year. Are members happy enough to keep that on the list?

I also propose that we include Enterprise Ireland on the work programme for the new year. I am not sure when it last appeared before this committee. It plays an important role, of course. Some members have asked whether representatives of IDA Ireland should also appear before the committee or if we should just deal with Enterprise Ireland as a stand-alone entity. If members feel it would not be a good idea to have representatives of IDA Ireland at the same time, we can always schedule another meeting with IDA Ireland if members are minded to do so.

It is also proposed that we engage with the Department of Rural and Community Development. Again, a number of members have expressed an interest in this engagement and the Department has yet to appear before a Committee of Public Accounts since its establishment in 2018. The Department’s Vote, Chapter 6 on central government funding of local authorities could also be examined as part of the engagement. That would bring us from 19 January to 9 March 2023.

I will open it to the floor for any suggestions on the draft work programme. Members might wish to prioritise a number of other bodies listed that we have previously added to the work programme as well as chapters relating to motor tax receipts and the National Treasury Management Agency. Are members happy to proceed as proposed?