Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I have had fairly similar contacts and complaints. My understanding is that the board is supposed to sign off on anything of a capital nature above €50,000. In actual fact, it appears that in December a €150,000 office upgrade was sanctioned in the absence of the board. I would have thought these were fairly serious issues. A number of people have left. There is much feeling of disillusionment. There is a feeling that the people who ask questions are those who are gone. We want people on boards to make a nuisance of themselves sometimes to make sure the board is properly run. I have very serious concerns about the governance. I echo the call that has been made on bringing before the committee the appropriate people to deal with this. Dealing with the accounts would be the same as asking how long is a piece of string if we do not have someone to engage with. This could go on for a considerable period of time. I imagine it is the Accounting Officer at the Department who has ultimate responsibility to make sure this is in compliance. If it is not in compliance, what would normally be done to deal with a body that is not functioning or is functioning below an acceptable standard? Is the Comptroller and Auditor General aware of what type of engagement happens in such a case?