Dan Boyle (Green Party)

On the Bill dealing with ageism, this issue also comes within the remit of my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for equality and integration, Deputy Mary White. The House would be well served in having a debate on this issue. I thank Senator O'Toole for raising the matter.

Senator Fitzgerald mentioned the Lost at Sea report. The Taoiseach stated in the Dáil that he has no difficulty with the matter being raised again at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. I believe the Government Whip on that committee has also stated he has no difficulty with the matter being raised again. The issue of the Lost at Sea report is immaterial. What we need is consistency in regard to officers of the State raising concerns in terms of how they interact with the Oireachtas. I believe the Ombudsman should come before Oireachtas committees to speak on issues of concern to her. I am confident this will happen.

On the Dublin Docklands Development Authority and the Committee of Public Accounts, there is nothing precluding the Comptroller and Auditor General examining any area or following through on any report. I believe it would be of value were he to do so in this case.