Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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We indicated at our last meeting that we were dealing with the matter arising from remarks made by the Taoiseach that he would hope to refer it to this committee and that it would involve the Comptroller and Auditor General. Then some other issues arose. The general opinion around the table was that the committee would play as big a role as it could in the matter. I would welcome the Committee of Public Accounts playing that role because we are, after all, the committee that deals with taxpayers’ money and the use and abuse of that money.

The system that has been set up is to report by the end of August. I do not know if the Minister for Finance mentioned this committee. He did mention the relevant committees of the House. The Taoiseach mentioned this committee. We do need clarification that this is the committee that will deal with the report when it does come out. It is to be completed by the end of August. Presumably, the intention would be that it would be dealt with by the committees of the House in early September. In the meantime, regarding whatever documentation might be required, I would be agreeable that it would come before the committee and we could be prepared for it.