Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

Or local authorities indeed. Is this practice endemic? Do they just chance their arm and if they are challenged settle but under no circumstances do they stand up and take responsibility because they know they will be found out? Where else is this practice operating?

The Minister of State mentioned local authorities. We must ask if this practice is endemic in Irish public life. Those of us who were members of local authorities and who have encounters with Departments know that certain informal practices have built up over the years and here, in black and white in this report, is one of them which, as Senator Feeney rightly pointed out, is appalling.