Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I refer to the group established by the Taoiseach's Department to deal with the awarding of public relations contracts by Ministers. Would the Taoiseach consider extending its remit to include semi-state bodies under the aegis of the Ministers? Is the Taoiseach aware of the recent report about the Dublin Docklands Development Authority which stated that contracts of more than €80,000 were awarded to a business that not a registered company and did not have an identifiable business name? This, as the report clearly showed, does not comply with the requirements in terms of proper performance. I ask because this pertains both to the Dublin Docklands Development Authority and to FÁS, whereby different contracts were awarded that were anything but up to the required standards and serious questions must be asked in respect of them all. While the Taoiseach has a team in situ in respect of Departments directly, will he consider extending its remit to include semi-State bodies under the aegis of the respective Ministers and their Departments to ensure that where public moneys are involved, the highest standards apply right across the board? In conclusion, is the Taoiseach aware of the report to which I referred regarding the Dublin Docklands Development Authority prepared by Ray King? Of itself, has that report not prompted consideration of the course of action I now suggest?

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