Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 16 November 2023

Public Accounts Committee

Appropriation Accounts 2022
Vote 11 - Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform
Vote 12 - Superannuation and Retired Allowances
Vote 39 - Office of Government Procurement
Vote 43 - Office of the Government Chief Information Officer
2022 Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General
Chapter 5: Vote Accounting and Budget Management

9:30 am

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Engage is one thing. I am listening to Mr. Moloney's language. He used the word "desirable," which is a word I have known since I got involved in politics, and that is a long time going back to local government level. When people tell you something is desirable, it usually means they would like to do it, but it does not get done. There is almost a language you have to acquire. When he says "engage," what does that mean? Does the Department say something cannot be done as it will cost a fortune? Does it issue strong advisories? Does it have any power?