Seanad debates
Thursday, 26 June 2003
Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Bill 2002: Second Stage.
I would not like to convey the impression that the funding of the commission will be out of the public eye, other than at the end of the three-year period. Under section 13 of the Bill, a member of the commission or a Member of the Dáil nominated by the commission will present a statement of the expenditure by the Houses to the Dáil each year. The statement will show how a portion of the sum provided by the Oireachtas in legislation will be spent in the following year. Instead of being formally granted by a Vote, the Estimate will be taken note of by the Dáil. The statement will keep Members and the public informed and will also constitute the statement of estimated expenditure for the following year to be sent to the Minister for Finance so that he can include the amount in the Estimates of Receipts and Expenditure at budget time. This will replace the current procedure whereby the annual Estimate is presented by the Minister for Finance. Although the commission will not be included in the normal Estimate exercise and will be removed from ministerial control, it will be accountable and transparent where financial resources are concerned.
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