Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I move amendment No. 22:

In page 21, line 6, after "1998" to insert "and provision shall be made to ensure that a detailed breakdown of the estimates of expenditure are available for scrutiny by the Committee of Public Accounts of Dáil Éireann".

This amendment relates to the chief executive being the Accounting Officer. The Minister referred to this in the context of an earlier amendment. The amendment is self-explanatory. Its purpose is to ensure that a detailed breakdown of the estimates of expenditure are available for scrutiny by the Committee of Public Accounts. The Minister said already that the CEO is accountable and must come before the committee. However, this amendment is an important clarifying measure and would ensure full transparency and accountability. It would also be a great support not only to members of the Committee of Public Accounts but to all Members of both Houses to have that detail available.