Feargal Quinn (Independent)

The Minister is not quite correct in what he has said. My amendment would have the effect of putting pressure on State companies to adopt standards which are normal practice in the private business sector. A State company should demand that its auditor will have signed the audited accounts within a specified period. The banks do this within days and other companies do it within three months. The State sector should set standards in this regard, as also should the Comptroller and Auditor General. I urge the Minister to consider the matter further before Report Stage.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.