Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This is the first opportunity I have had to congratulate the Taoiseach on his appointment. I wish him and his Government well because good government is good for the people.

We are debating the Revised Estimates today. When we vote on them, as Members of this House and representatives of the people, we will be deciding how our constituents' tax moneys are spent. We know these moneys are required because of the Covid-19 crisis and because we want to be better prepared for Brexit, which certainly is something we need to do. However, the question many people watching this discussion today will be asking is whether these Revised Estimates represent value for money and if they will contribute in a positive and tangible way to improving services and protecting our economy. I am somewhat new to this House but in the previous parliament in which I had the privilege to serve, the European Court of Auditors would assess the spending set out in our budget. The Comptroller and Auditor General performs that function in respect of the Oireachtas. My first question is whether the Comptroller and Auditor General will review these Revised Estimates in three months, six months or whenever. Is there an automatic review process or does it only happen in certain circumstances? I am thinking of the ordinary people watching this debate on the television, seeing that we men and women in Leinster House are deciding how to spend their money and wondering whether they will get value for it. The Taoiseach has made some good points in this regard but my question is specifically about whether the Comptroller and Auditor General will review these particular Estimates and come back to the Oireachtas with that review. Is such a review process automatic?

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