Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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I am sorry, but, before he does that, let me make a couple of observations about how the committee might work. In the previous Dáil, particularly during its last year or so, I was concerned that obstacles were being put in the committee's way. In some instances, it may have been legitimate, but in others I considered it to be overly conservative and cautious and a little obstructionist in investigating certain matters.

I congratulate the Chairman and the Vice Chairman on assuming their positions. The work the committee does is important, in that we follow the money and are the voice of the citizen and taxpayer. I hope we will be facilitated in doing that job within the boundaries of Standing Orders, good practice and procedure. I hope we will not have a repeat performance of what happened in the last 12 months or so of the previous Dáil when it became very difficult to pursue certain matters. Many of the themes the committee will address are carry-overs from the previous Dáil when we did good work. The Chairman and the Vice Chairman have stewardship of the committee and I hope members will be supported and facilitated in asking questions on behalf of the public in a non-party political way so as to ensure we can get our work done.