John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I have discussed this matter with the Attorney General, who has advised that the authority can be brought within the remit of the Comptroller and Auditor General by means of an order to be made by the Minister for Finance. This will move the authority from the second to the first Schedule of the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act 1993, alongside the other State bodies that are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General. It is a matter for the Minister for Finance to consider and decide on the timing of any such order. Thereafter, the nature and timing of action by the Comptroller and Auditor General will clearly be a matter for him to determine, having regard to his constitutionally independent role. It is important to emphasise that the Comptroller and Auditor General is an independent office holder, as ought to be the case. It is up to the Committee of Public Accounts to decide how it will use any such report.

There has been no change of mind. I made it clear in the reply to my question that I was at all times keeping this matter under review. Having considered the reports - it must be remembered that I specifically commissioned these reports from the DDDA - I thought it appropriate that the remit of the Comptroller and Auditor General be widened to consider these matters. I am glad to hear the Deputy has welcomed the decision. There are times when a Minister actually follows through on a course of action and, when it is the right course of action, it is only right that it be welcomed.

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