Gillian Toole (Meath East, Independent)
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I am parachuting into this committee, as I am not a member. I thank the witnesses for the work they do.

I have two questions. One is similar to that asked by the Leas-Chathaoirleach. Multi-annual funding is something I would consider necessary in the area of healthcare, for example, the HSE dispersing money to section 38 and section 39 agencies for planning ahead. Correct me if I am wrong, but that is something the IFAC would encourage in several departmental areas. Is it within the council's remit to give advice to the Department of public expenditure and the Department of Finance? If so, have approaches been made in this regard and how might that progress?

My second question is related to local authority spending and departmental spending. Coming from a background as a small business owner, I believe that the country should be run like a person might run a household or a small business, where every penny counts. Is IFAC in a position to advise on budgets being limits rather than targets and training vis-à-vis spending, whether it is current or capital-type spending? It may not be within the council's remit.

I had a third question on procurement for SMEs but that has been covered. Go raibh maith agaibh.