Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I did not refer to Paul Appleby's demand for additional staff on yesterday's Order of Business because I chaired an audit review committee six years ago which reported to the Committee of Public Accounts. Mr. Appleby was head of the committee's secretariat. The report was accepted by the committee and it led to the establishment of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement which is headed by Mr. Appleby. In seeking additional staff, he would not waste one shilling of public money. His commitment is unquestionable but I am disappointed the Taoiseach said he would have to stand in line. Protection of investment is needed to attract further investment and I call on the Leader to ask the Taoiseach to reconsider his position that the Director of Corporate Enforcement will have to stand in line, given that his office is crucial to the economy.

The news of the various arrests relating to the procurement of a 14 year old for sexual activities is disturbing. In 20 years as a Seanad Member, I have never met a draftsperson. We receive advice from them and even Ministers do not see much of draftspeople. However, many Bills are drafted on the basis of litigation advice from the Chief State Solicitor's Office. I presume that, as the advisory body to the Attorney General, the CSSO, as opposed to the Director of Public Prosecutions, decides whether the State should defend or prosecute cases. I am concerned that individuals involved in the investigation or who are connected to the arrests might have influenced decision making, litigation and the drafting of legislation over recent years. I raised this in regard the Attorney General's office when a similar scenario occurred 15 years ago. I seek reassurance about this and I do not wish to raise a hare on this.