Mr. Seamus McCarthy:

The first set of financial statements to introduce relate to the Health Service Executive for 2022. It received a clear audit opinion. However, there were a number of matters that I drew attention to. First, the disclosure that charges totalling €94.4 million related to the obsolescence of Covid-19 vaccine stocks were recognised in 2022 and also €1.7 million spent on the storage of obsolete protective suits and hand gel. These were stocks that were previously written off but they are still in storage at cost. The second item is that there is a continuing material level of non-compliance with procurement rules. The HSE has estimated that at 7% of its spend on goods and service but it is using a methodology that the HSE accepts has limitations. It is accepted that it is a sizeable problem of non-competitive procurement but there is not an absolutely accurate estimation of that. The third item is an increasing trend of transfers to the section 38 and 39 bodies not being covered by a relevant form of funding agreement. Depending on the amount they are paid, there are different forms of contract to be put in place but there has been some slippage there in the extent of coverage in the period when funding is being given. Finally, I am drawing attention to very high remuneration payments to certain employees with the highest earner receiving almost €1 million in 2022 and some weaknesses in controls over payments to high earners.

No. 2, the Carbon Fund financial statements for 2022, received a clear audit opinion. No. 3, the Defence Forces Canteen Board, for 2022, received a clear audit opinion.

On No. 4, a number of the following are National Treasury Management Agency accounts. The National Debt of Ireland, for 2022, received a clear audit opinion. The National Treasury Management Agency administration account for 2022 received a clear audit opinion. The Post Office Savings Bank Fund account for 2022 received a clear audit opinion. The State Claims Agency accounts for 2022 received a clear audit opinion. The Dormant Accounts Fund account for 2022 received a clear audit opinion. The National Surplus (Exceptional Contingencies) Reserve Fund for 2022 received a clear audit opinion.

The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund 2022 also received a clear audit opinion. The following is in a separate category but it comes from the National Treasury Management Agency, NTMA, as well. The Ireland Apple escrow fund for 2022 received a clear audit opinion.