David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I said, the Courts Service and the Accountant of the Courts of Justice and the investment committee are all independent in their duties in terms of managing court funds. As of 12 December 2016, only a very small part of those funds were invested in tobacco stocks. It should be noted that court funds are not public funds and are not controlled by the Government. As the Senator will appreciate, the funds are operated independently of the Department of Justice and Equality in the best interests of the beneficiaries. The Department has no role in managing or directing investments. However, the review currently under way by ISIF management and the National Treasury Management Agency, NTMA board’s investment committee, in terms of excluding certain investment categories, including tobacco companies, will be of interest. The Tánaiste has arranged for its findings to be brought to the attention of the Courts Service and the Charities Regulatory Authority. Similarly, the review by the Charities Regulatory Authority of the CIF will also be relevant and the Courts Service will be kept informed of any developments in this area.

Before I leave I wish to congratulate the new Clerk of the Seanad, Mr. Martin Groves, on his appointment.