John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

I agree fully with Deputy O'Shea's observations. I cannot defend the errors, nor do I seek to do so. My aim is to ensure there is no recurrence of such errors and I feel sure that in placing an official of my Department on the finance committee I am making a positive contribution. In addition, we have asked consultants to examine the procedures which were extant at the Abbey with a view to amending accounting practices. I assure the Deputy that things will be done more professionally in the future.

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