Joanna Byrne (Louth, Sinn Fein)

Coming back to the Department, it is clearly aware of its obligations to present audited financial statements within sufficient timelines. I know this query has been put to the Secretary General already. I put it to him. While citing a failure of governance in the Arts Council, he acknowledged a failure of oversight on the part of the Department. Having listened to the responses to all the members who raised this issue, it is clear that the Department - Ms Kennelly has this emphasised on multiple occasions, and I appreciate that - was aware of this issue from the very early stages. It was highlighted in the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General. The Secretary General has admitted that he was aware at an early stage in 2024, if not beforehand. Despite all that knowledge, the presentation of the accounts was purposefully delayed for a period. That really undermines a working relationship not only between the Secretary General and State bodies going forward but also those between the public, the Minister and Secretary General and between the Minister and the Secretary General.

That is not an easy thing to say, but if we are calling a spade a spade, that is what is said here in black and white today.

What assurances can the Secretary General give us that this will not happen again? Can we get his personal reassurance that the withholding of accounts, regardless of the reasons, will not happen again, particularly when Mr. Ó Coigligh knew for some time of the issue which he could have investigated at an earlier stage?