Michael McCarthy (Labour)

Mindful of the Cathaoirleach's disposition, I will be brief. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on a report of the Committee of Public Accounts, a number of the recommendations of which are frightening. One does not need to be a financial wizard to figure out that some of what has gone on in the Department of Finance would make the hair on the back of one's neck stand up. For example, it states the Department of Education and Science lacks sufficient information on the general condition of school buildings. That is an important issue countrywide. I would be surprised if this was the Department's position. In conclusion, it states that the forecast cost of the extension of medical cards to people over 70 years of age was €9 million, whereas the actual cost is €55 million. Serious questions need to be asked about decision making in the Department of Finance.