Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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I agree 100% with Deputy Cullinane. There is no sanction here. It is not the committee's fault. This committee was traditionally more powerful. If issues arose, people were brought in and there was some sanction. However, now outcomes from this committee are broadly noted. When there is institutional culpability, the reaction is to announce a review or to ensure that a report is carried out. Nothing will happen and everybody walks away freely without consequence. This has happened with the Garda matters we looked at among others matters. The lack of answers forthcoming and the lack of candour that we have seen demonstrates that this committee, which is the only constitutional committee of the State, can be treated with disdain and contempt without fear or favour. The CEOs of State agencies need have no concerns about how money is spent or how things are done. They will come to this committee and any issues will be noted on the audit report but there will be no net outcome. The same thing then happens a couple of years later and we are here again. There will be a slap on the knuckles and nothing happens again. That is an issue for Government to consider. It should not just allow us to continue as busy hard-working fools at this committee but should ensure that if we find misappropriation or make recommendations, tangible outcomes, including sanction, will follow.