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

We had hearings on that and launched the report last week. Sums of money have been spent without any physical works being commenced. I do not know if we are any nearer to starting them. It is incredible. It has been jaw-dropping. We need to use whatever leverage we have. The Minister does have to respond through the minute of the Minister. The Deputy is saying the time has surely come for the Committee of Public Accounts to explore some sanctions and processes that can be applied where an Accounting Officer is remiss in his or her responsibility. Having someone responsible for poor performance and public contracts is key to improving the outcomes. Perhaps I am right. In terms of sanctions, the sanction we can impose is to make a report and recommendations to the Minister and, by extension, the senior staff in the Department will have to respond.