Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I do not know about that, but I will have it checked. The Department of Finance set out certain guidelines on this. I think the Deputy raised the matter with me before, when he asked that FÁS submit a scheme of expenses for approval by the Minister, on the basis that it is in compliance with the general guidelines set out by the Department of Finance. The question of whether the expenses are paid for out of the budget of the State agency or the Minister's own budget is a matter for consideration. I hear what the Deputy is saying about it. If a Minister is performing his or duties on behalf of a State agency, usually that agency deals with the travel and other arrangements that are provided for in that trip. It is not dealt with in different parts by the Department and the agency.

I will check whether the current arrangements in place will add to the issue to any great extent. We are dealing with public money, so accountability should be available from those who disburse it. If it is disbursed by a State agency, then that agency should answer for it, rather than create another arrangement where some payments are made by the Department and others by the agency. Why not have greater transparency from the State agency in the first place?

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