This year's OECD report has a special chapter on enhancing the effectiveness of public expenditure management. The Minister for Finance welcomes this initiative by the OECD and views its recommendations as a positive and practical contribution to the ongoing improvement of public expenditure management arrangements. Members will be aware of the ongoing challenge of matching very genuine demands for improved public services with the Government's overall responsibility to ensure sustainability of the public finances over the medium and long term. This challenge is now being faced by many of the other OECD members and the organisation, therefore, has much valuable insight to offer based on best international practice.