Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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Okay we will deal with both at the same time. A number of people have been in contact with the committee on this matter, including former residents of the residential institutions. They are concerned that we deal with this matter soon and we will do so.

Nos. 210C and 222 C (i) and (ii) deal with a Mazars review of processes employed by the University of Limerick. There is correspondence from the CEO of the Higher Education Authority and from the President of the University of Limerick in respect of actions taken following the review. Is it agreed to note this correspondence? Agreed. I also propose that we make copies of it available to the individual who brought the matter to the committee’s attention. Is that agreed? Agreed. It may be also worth adding the University of Limerick to the work programme when we engage with third level institutions in 2017.

No. 211C (i) and (ii) is correspondence from the CEO of the National Transport Authority providing a response to an issue identified in its 2015 financial statements with the lease of a building. I think this relates to the fact that the building was not occupied for some time. If people want to raise this matter again at a future date or to deal with it in any other format they are free to do so.

No. 213C is correspondence from Mr. Seán Ó Foghlú, Secretary General, Department of Education and Skills in reply to an issue raised by an individual alleging misappropriation of public money in Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board. The Department is aware of the matter and regards the use of the funding as appropriate in this case. I suggest that we send a copy of this correspondence to the individual and that we now consider the matter closed. Is that agreed? Agreed.

No. 217C is correspondence, also from Mr. Seán Ó Foghlú, Secretary General, Department of Education and Skills. This is an update for the committee in regard to the transfer of property under the 2002 indemnity agreement.Is it agree to note this correspondence? Agreed.

No. 223C (i) and (ii) is correspondence from an individual on the deterioration of salmon stocks. A paper on the matter is attached. The individual claims that this is principally a co-ordination problem and while a group has been set up under the EPA, called LAWCO, he believes there is real need for an involvement in this area by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment or the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. I propose that we write to the EPA, forwarding a copy of this correspondence and requesting a response on whether the inclusion of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment would add value to this group and, if so, to invite its participation. I also propose that we write to the Department directly asking for its response on the correspondence and whether it would consider being involved in the LAWCO group or other such group to deal with the matter. Is that agreed? Agreed. When a response has been received from the two organisations we will deal with the matter.

We now move on to reports, statements and accounts received since our meeting on 24 November 2016.