Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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Notwithstanding the difficulties at the moment in trying to get companies to tender for works, there is the issue of what type of contract was used in this case. So-called framework agreements may need to be discussed. There is the cost of public works that are done under framework agreements, not just by the Houses of the Oireachtas but by various public bodies. This issue is going to raise questions around all of those. These agreements have been in vogue for the last number of years and may be appropriate. It is about what type of contract was used here. Our discussions will need to look at areas like that to see how that can be reined in. We cannot have blank cheques for relatively minor public works. We will proceed with that and have the hearing. All members are happy with that.

I move to the minutes of our meeting of 11 July. They have been circulated to members. Do members wish to raise any issues regarding the minutes? They do not. The minutes are agreed. As usual, the minutes will be published on the committee's web page.

Moving to accounts and financial statements, there were 60 sets of accounts and financial statements laid between 8 July and 13 September and I am going to ask Mr. McCarthy to address these. There is a long list which members have in front of them. We will go through them now.