Chairman:

I thank the Minister for dealing with these issues. I also thank the Department for providing briefing material for the committee. I warmly welcome the responses provided to queries in advance of today's meeting. In particular, I note that on several points in its response the Department has acknowledged the need to improve on the performance measures provided. It has indicated that steps are being taken to do so. The Department also stated it would welcome advice from the expertise available to the Oireachtas in this regard. Will the Minister confirm that his officials will liaise with the financial scrutiny unit and with the committee secretariat in pursuit of this goal?