Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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Members are reminded of the provisions within Standing Order 218 that the committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits of the objectives of such policies. Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

There were 13 sets of financial statements and accounts laid before the Dáil between 16 November and 27 November. The Comptroller and Auditor General issued a clear audit opinion in all cases. In the accounts for the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board - that is, Caranua - the Comptroller and Auditor General has drawn attention to two matters. The first is the inadequate control over grant repayment. Second, there is the review of the effectiveness of internal controls. We will meet Caranua, as agreed at our last meeting, on 17 December. I propose we request Caranua to provide further information as part of the briefing it will provide for that meeting. Are members happy to agree to that? Agreed.