Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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No other items of correspondence have been flagged for consideration today so we will move onto the work programme. On 23 June, we will engage with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to examine its oversight of local government expenditure of central government funds. The Department has confirmed availability for the meeting and the Association of Irish Local Government has indicated it will nominate representatives to attend.

On 30 June, we will engage with the Department of Foreign Affairs on its appropriation accounts. The Department has been advised that the committee is interested in examining expenditure related to the Passport Office and consular activity. There are issues we have examined previously regarding leasing and ownership of buildings. Sometimes it makes sense to lease buildings and sometimes it makes sense to own them. It would be useful to address this issue again to see where we are at. There have been some changes and purchases in recent years. It could certainly be an item that is added.

We had agreed to schedule an engagement with the Central Bank and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners on 7 July to examine an outstanding chapter on the assessment and collection of insurance compensation fund levies. While the Chairman of Revenue has indicated he is available, as detailed in correspondence No. R1300, the relevant officials at the Central Bank are unavailable on that date.

In terms of matters reported upon by the Comptroller and Auditor General, there are a number of outstanding matters for examination with the Department of Education. There is Special Report 112 on financial governance and reporting in education and training boards as well as chapters on management of the schools estate and the purchase of sites for school provision and the Department's 2020 appropriation accounts. The Department of Education has confirmed its availability to appear before the committee on 7 July. Is it agreed to proceed with this engagement? Agreed. The special report is on an area where there was concern. It is something we should have on our agenda.