Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I had a meeting with the incumbent Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. John Purcell, only yesterday. He outlined to me the outcome of interviews which had taken place for that post. It is a matter for the Oireachtas to decide upon, and the President will make the appointment on foot of that. As a result of that discussion yesterday, I intend to be in touch with the Leader of the Opposition and Deputy Gilmore to explain the outcome of that meeting, to see whether we can provide a candidate arising from that. I shall report to the Deputy on that basis.

On the legislative matters the Deputy talked about, I understand the Minister envisages the heads of the Bill spoken about in the last couple of days will reflect the requirement to bring people to the Garda station before an on-the-spot fine can be applied. He believes this is a necessary safeguard, and it will be incorporated in the Bill which it is hoped to have as soon as possible, hopefully this session.

Regarding the all-party committee, an issue arose yesterday in the courts. Again, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform will be the best person to answer parliamentary questions on the detail of this. The joint committee is looking at a series of recommendations on these matters and is due to report in November, I understand. That is the up to date positions on these questions.

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