Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)

I am trying to follow the Minster's explanation to the best of my ability. As I understand it, the current board, which will be disbanded when this Bill goes through has a chairperson but no chief executive. The chairperson of the current board is responsible for disbursements and is obliged to appear before the Committee of Public Accounts for any disbursements that are made. Like the present board, the new board to be established will have a chairperson and no chief executive. Although the incoming board will have a chairperson, he or she will not be obliged to appear before the Committee of Public Accounts. The obligation to do so will revert to the Department and it will be the Secretary General of the Department who is obliged to appear before the Committee of Public Accounts.

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