Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister and look forward to hearing what he has to say on these matters on Report Stage. It is important this onerous task, in a sector wherein there was a tradition of auditing not being done by professional people, is undertaken by those with the best skills.

In other fields, such as banking, the accounts were not very reliable either and those people had professional qualifications. As it has been a problem in the health service which has drawn the attention of the Comptroller and Auditor General on many occasions, I will support the Minister in whatever measures he has in mind. The very large health budget should be properly audited and perhaps we can examine this again on Report Stage.