Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As parliamentarians, I am sure we are all in agreement about the role and function of our parliamentary committees and, in particular, the Committee of Public Accounts. It is unique in terms of its standing among other Dáil committees. Section 21 will only apply where the Committee of Public Accounts has invited the director of the commission to report and give evidence. It is appropriate that there should be that chain of accountability between Parliament and the operation of the commission. It is not new. In fact, this is identical to the engagement between the Legal Services Regulatory Authority and the Committee of Public Accounts. The committee is the appropriate place for the type of engagement envisaged and, having regard to the mandate in respect of the appropriation accounts and the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General, it is entirely appropriate that the director would not impinge upon any aspects particular to the policy of the Government, any particular Department or Minister or its objectives. It is identical to the relationship between the Legal Services Regulatory Authority and the Committee of Public Accounts. It is one that has not been raised by the Committee of Public Accounts as being inappropriate or otherwise. It is important that an outline of the relationship between the new body and Parliament is specifically stated in the legislation.