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

We have received apologies from Deputy O'Connor. We are joined by the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, who is a permanent witness to the committee.

Members are reminded of the provisions of Standing Order 218 that a committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government, or the merits of the objectives of such policies. Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

This morning we were due to engage with Inland Fisheries Ireland on its financial statements for 2022. However we have been informed that the CEO of IFI is unavoidably absent due to illness. As the CEO is the accountable person and this function cannot be delegated, it has been decided to defer the engagement until such time as the committee can examine the financial statements with the accountable person present. We look forward to engaging with IFI at the earliest possible opportunity.

The previous engagement we had with IFI was very unsatisfactory. The secretariat is endeavouring to get IFI before the committee as soon as possible. The next possible available date is 25 April. This is the best that can be done. It is disappointing. We had a very unsatisfactory meeting with the organisation last year and it needs to be in here as soon as possible. The secretariat will endeavour to bring that meeting forward.