Mr. Seamus McCarthy:

One can pursue a line of questioning with the Accounting Officer for the Office of Public Works in relation to what was purchased or procured for that line of expenditure. Deputy Harris raised some very good points and are examples of the systemic issue that an individual procurement will point to. If I were to do a piece of work I would have to look at the issue in a broader way because things can go with an individual procurement but it may not be indicative of a systemic problem. When I see a systemic problem or if I believe there are grounds, if I see a repeated pattern, as the Deputy states, back in 2007 there was an expectation that a standard of a particular level would apply for Ministers or Minister of State. We certainly question routinely and look for evidence of extravagance. Difficulties arise in cases of decoration or style. The Deputy mentioned flowers and in those cases it is difficult to call it and say that value has been achieved. There may be subjective views as to what style is appropriate and delivers value for money.