Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join in the conveying of sympathies to the family of Adrian Donohoe. I also convey my sympathies to our colleague, Senator Henry, on the death of her mother and to the family of Éamon de Buitléar. Adrian Donohoe was not just a member of the Garda. He also gave local leadership in his area and to the people with whom he lived. This is not just a loss to the Garda or a huge loss to his family, but to the local community.

I wish to raise a concern. Yesterday, I received a telephone call from someone who was providing a service to the State. The person furnished an account to the State for work done and a Department signed off on payment last June, but that person has still not received payment despite being required to pay tax. As the person is unable to receive a tax clearance certificate, they cannot qualify for further State work.

It is outrageous and deplorable that a Department is not paying within the required 30 days.