Committee Reports > List of Committees > Joint > 2002 > Committee on Finance and the Public Service > Annual Report of the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service, 2001

TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS

TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL

ón gComhchoiste um Airgeadas agus an tSeirbhís Phoiblí 2001

agus

Clár Oibre 2002

ANNUAL REPORT

of the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service 2001

and

Work Programme for 2002

Table of Contents

1. Content and Format of Report

This report has been prepared pursuant to paragraphs 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Standing Order 79A, Dáil Éireann and paragraphs 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Standing Order 63, Seanad Éireann which provides for Joint Committee reports and work programmes as follows–

•review of its procedure and its role

•annual work programme

•laying minutes of proceedings

•making an annual report.

At its meeting of 30 January 2002, the Joint Committee agreed that all of these items should be included in its annual report.

2. Functions and Powers of the Joint Committee

The Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service was established by Order of Dáil Éireann of 13th November, 1997 and Order of Seanad Éireann of 19th November, 1997 as part of a programme of Oireachtas reform involving the refining of the Committee system to enable more detailed examination of Government Departments including–

•public affairs administered by each Department

•legislature and expenditure proposals of each Department

•certain matters relating to bodies under the aegis of each Department.

The Orders of Reference of the Joint Committee were modified by further Orders of Dáil Éireann of 28 April 1998 (new subparagraph (2) (a) (iv) added) and 14 February 2001(new subparagraph 1(a) (iii) added) and Seanad Éireann of 30 April 1998 (new subparagraph (2) (a) (iv) added) and the Orders of Reference of the Joint Committee, as so modified, are set out at Appendix 1.

In addition, further powers were accorded to the Joint Committee, by a resolution of Dáil Éireann of 2 July 1999 to amend Standing Order 78A of Dáil Standing Orders, enabling the Committee to “consider and report to Dáil Éireann on such proposals for EU legislation as may be referred to it from time to time by any Committee established by Dáil Éireann (whether acting jointly with the Seanad or otherwise) to consider such proposals and upon which has been conferred the power to refer such proposals to another Select Committee”. A corresponding provision was made by way of amendment to Standing Order 65 of Standing Orders of Seanad Éireann on 30 June 1999.

3. Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Convenors and Membership

Deputy Michael Ahern was elected as Chairman of the Joint Committee on 2 December 1997. Deputy Liam Lawlor was elected as Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee on 2 December 1997. On 11^th January 2001, Deputy Lawlor resigned as Vice-Chairman of the Committee. Deputy Sean Fleming was elected Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee on 21^st February 2001. The Chairman of the Joint Committee is also Chairman of the Dáil Select Committee.

Deputies Noel O’Flynn and Jimmy Deenihan are the Convenors of the Committee whose function it is to ensure the availability and attendance of Members or their substitutes for meetings of the Committee and, in particular, to ensure Members’ availability for divisions. The Committee welcomed the membership of Deputy Noel O’Flynn in place of Deputy Batt O’Keeffe on 11 April 2000.

The Members of the Joint Committee are set out at Appendix 2.

Meetings, Attendance and Recording

Meetings of the Joint Committee took place in the Committee rooms in Kildare House, and in LH2000. Meetings were in public unless otherwise ordered by the Joint Committee.

Televised coverage of public meetings of the Joint Committee was broadcast live within the Leinster House complex and was available for subsequent public broadcasting by R.T.É. and other TV/Radio Services.

Verbatim written reports of public meetings of the Select Committee in relation to Bills and Estimates for the Public Services were published and may be purchased from the Government Publications Sales Office, Sun Alliance House, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2.

5. Number and Duration of Meetings

The Joint Committee met on thirteen occasions in the year under report. The number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 14 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out at Appendix 3.

The Dáil Select Committee met on fourteen occasions in the year under report and the number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 36 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out at Appendix 4.

Minutes of proceedings of the Joint Committee meeting in public session are attached at Appendix 5.

6. Work of the Committee

6.1 Joint Committee

On the thirteen occasions the Committee met it dealt with the following matters:

▪Draft Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour

▪Draft Regulations under Freedom of Information Act, 1997, (2 meetings)

▪The National Development Plan

▪European Union Conventions and Protocols

▪Euro Changeover

▪Second European Cohesion Forum Brussels May 2001

▪Draft Double Taxation Relief Kingdom of Norway Order 2001, Rep. of India Order, 2001

▪Developments in Irish and European economics post 11^th Sept. 2001 (Maurice O’Connell Gov. of Central Bank.)

▪Changes in services to bank customers branch restructuring and IBF voluntary code of Practice – Presentations by Ms. Carmel Foley (Director of Consumer Affairs) Mr. James Bardon IBF and Mr Larry Broderick I.B.O.A.

▪Appointments to the Standard in Public Office Commission

A copy of the Joint Committees work programme for 2002 is at Appendix 6.

6.2 Dáil Select Committee

On the fourteen occasions the Dáil Select Committee met it dealt with the following matters:

•Trustee Savings Banks (Amendment) Bill, 2000

•Finance Bill, 2001

•Valuation Bill, 2000

•ACC Bank Bill 2000

•Euro Changeover (Amounts) Bill, 2001

•Standards in Public Office Bill, 2000

•Dormant Accounts Bill, 2000

•Estimates for Public Services 2001 - Finance Group of Estimates

•Estimates for Public Services 2001 - Taoiseach’s Group of Estimates

•Ordnance Survey Ireland Bill, 2001 (Seanad)

•Asset Covered Securities Bill, 2001

•Supplementary Estimates 2001 – Vote 2, Houses of the Oireachtas and the European Parliament; Vote 3, Department of the Taoiseach; Vote 10, Office of Public Works; Vote 14, Office of the Director of Public Prosecution.

7. Groups and Individuals attending before the Committee

In the year under report the Joint Committee met with the following:

•Officials of the Dept. of Finance

•Officials of the Dept. of Environment and Local Government

•Officials of the Dept. of Public Enterprise and Transport

•Officials of the Dept. of the Taoiseach

•Officials of the Dept. of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

•Officials of the Dept. Enterprise, Trade and Employment

•Members of the National Roads Authority

•Dr. Maurice O’Connell (Gov of Central Bank) and officials

•Ms Carmel Foley (Director of Consumer Affairs) and officials

•Officials from the I.B.F. (Mr. Jim Bardon) (Director General) Irish Bankers’ Federation)

•Officials from the I.B.O.A. (Mr. Larry Broderick (General Secretary)

8. Joint Committee Reports

During the year under report the Joint Committee published the following reports:

•Annual Report 2000

•Work Programme 2000/2001

9. Bills and Estimates

During the year under report, the Select Committee on Finance and the Public Service considered the following Bills and Estimates

Bills

•Trustee Savings Banks (Amendment) Bill, 2000

•Finance Bill, 2000

•Valuation Bill, 2000

•ACC Bank Bill 2000

•Euro Changeover (Amounts) Bill, 2001

•Standards in Public Office Bill, 2000

•Dormant Accounts Bill, 2000

•Ordnance Survey Ireland Bill, 2001 (Seanad)

•Asset Covered Securities Bill, 2001

Estimates for Public Services 2001

•Department of Finance Group of Supplementary Estimates

•Department of the Taoiseach Group of Supplementary Estimates

•Vote 10 - Office of Public Works

•Vote 3 – Department of the Taoiseach

•Vote 2 – Houses of the Oireachtas and the European Parliament

•Vote 14 – Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

10. Travel by the Joint Committee

The Committee undertook the following travel in accordance with its orders of reference in connection with its work programme:-

Brussels: 21-22 May 2001

Second European Cohesion Forum

11. Function and Powers

The Committee is satisfied with its present procedures and role following the modification of its Orders of Reference in 1998 and 2001.

___________________________

Michael Ahern, T.D.

Chairman of the Joint Committee

January 2002

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1

Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service

Orders of Reference

Dáil Éireann

13th November 1997: (*28th April 1998), (**14^th Feb., 2001). Ordered:

(1) (a)That a Select Committee, which shall be called the Select Committee on Finance and the Public Service, consisting of 14 members of Dáil Éireann (of whom 4 shall constitute a quorum), be appointed to consider such—

(i)Bills the statute law in respect of which is dealt with by the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Finance, and

(ii)Estimates for Public Services within the aegis of those Departments,

(iii)proposals contained in any motion, including any motion within the meaning of Standing Order 149(A) concerning the approval by the Dáil of international agreements involving a charge on public funds,**

as shall be referred to it by Dáil Éireann from time to time.

(b)For the purpose of its consideration of Bills under paragraph (1)(a)(i), the Select Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 78A(1), (2) and (3).

(c)For the avoidance of doubt, by virtue of their ex officio membership of the Select Committee in accordance with Standing Order 84(1), the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance (or a Minister or Minister of State nominated in their stead) shall be entitled to vote.

(2) (a)The Select Committee shall be joined with a Select Committee to be appointed by Seanad Éireann to form the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service to consider—

(i)such public affairs administered by the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Finance as it may select, including bodies under the aegis of those Departments in respect of Government policy,

(ii)such matters of policy for which the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance are officially responsible as it may select,

(iii)the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and shall be authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act,

*(iv)such Annual Reports or Annual Reports and Accounts, required by law and laid before either or both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies under the aegis of the Department(s) specified in paragraph 2(a)(i), and the overall operational results, statements of strategy and corporate plans of these bodies, as it may select.

Provided that the Joint Committee shall not, at any time, consider any matter relating to such a body which is, which has been, or which is, at that time, proposed to be considered by the Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to the Orders of Reference of that Committee and/or the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993.

Provided further that the Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public session, or publishing confidential information regarding, any such matter if so requested either by the body or by the Minister in charge of that Department; and

(v)such other matters as may be jointly referred to it from time to time by both Houses of the Oireachtas,

and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas.

(b)The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be 5, of whom at least 1 shall be a member of Dáil Éireann and 1 a member of Seanad Éireann.

(c)The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 78A(1) to (9) inclusive.

(3)The Chairman of the Joint Committee, who shall be a member of Dáil Éireann, shall also be Chairman of the Select Committee.

SEANAD ÉIREANN 19th November 1997 (*30^th April 1998): Ordered:

(1)(a)That a Select Committee consisting of 5 members of Seanad Éireann shall be appointed to be joined with a Select Committee of Dáil Éireann to form the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service to consider -

(i)such public affairs administered by the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Finance as it may select, including bodies under the aegis of those Departments in respect of Government policy,

(ii)such matters of policy for which the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance are officially responsible as it may select,

(iii)the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and shall be authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act, and

*(iv)such Annual Reports or Annual Reports and Accounts, required by law and laid before either or both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies under the aegis of the Department(s) specified in paragraph 2(a)(i), and the overall operational results, statements of strategy and corporate plans of these bodies, as it may select.

Provided that the Joint Committee shall not, at any time, consider any matter relating to such a body which is, which has been, or which is, at that time, proposed to be considered by the Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to the Orders of Reference of that Committee and/or the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993.

Provided further that the Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public session, or publishing confidential information regarding, any such matter if so requested either by the body or by the Minister in charge of that Department; and

(v)such other matters as may be jointly referred to it from time to time by both Houses of the Oireachtas, and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas.

(b)The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be 5, of whom at least 1 shall be a member of Dáil Éireann and 1 a member of Seanad Éireann.

(c)The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 62A(1) to (9) inclusive.

(2)The Chairman of the Joint Committee shall be a member of Dáil Éireann.

APPENDIX 2

Members of the Joint Committee

Deputy Seán Ryan was appointed in place of Deputy Pat Rabbitte on 24 February 1999.

Senator Joe Doyle was appointed in place of Senator Avril Doyle on 4 November 1999.

Deputy Noel O’Flynn was appointed in place of Deputy Batt O’Keeffe on 11 April 2000.

Deputy Ben Briscoe was appointed in place of Deputy Liam Lawlor, on 30 January 2001.

Deputy Jim Mitchell was appointed in place of Deputy Michael Noonan, on 29 March 2001.

Deputy Paul McGrath was appointed in place of Deputy Ulick Burke, on 29 March 2001.

APPENDIX 3

Meetings of the Joint Committee

APPENDIX 4

Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee

APPENDIX 5

Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FINANCE & THE PUBLIC SERVICE

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

THURSDAY 11 JANUARY 2001

1.The Joint Committee met at 3 p.m. in Room G5, Kildare House.

2.Attendance:

The following members were present: Deputies Michael Ahern (in the chair), Louis Belton, John Browne (Wexford), Ulick Burke, Jimmy Deenihan, John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, Denis Foley, Liam Lawlor, Derek McDowell, Brendan McGahon, Michael Noonan, Noel O’Flynn, Seán Ryan and Senators John Dardis, Joe Doyle and Michael Finneran.

Senators Paschal Mooney and Camillus Glynn substituted for Senators Eddie Bohan and Joe O’Toole, respectively.

3.Visit by a Delegation from the Hungarian Parliament

The Joint Committee noted correspondence from the Ambassador of the Republic of Hungary in relation to possible dates for a purposed visit by the Budgetary and Financial Committee of the Hungarian Parliament. The Joint Committee agreed that 5-7 March 2001 was the most suitable of the dates proposed.

4.Motion of No Confidence in Vice-Chairman

Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, seconded by Deputy Michael Noonan, moved the following motion:

“That the Joint Committee has no confidence in Deputy Liam Lawlor, to continue ás Vice- Chairman of the Committee”

Following debate and Deputy Lawlor’s statement that he was tendering his resignation as Vice-Chairman, the motion was withdrawn by leave.

5.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 3.50 p.m. sine die.

___________________

Michael Ahern T.D.

Chairman

28 February 2001

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FINANCE & THE PUBLIC SERVICE

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

21 February 2001

1.The Joint Committee met at 6 p.m. in Room G5, Kildare House. The Committee met in Private session.

Attendance:

The following members were present:

Deputies Michael Ahern (Chairman), Louis J. Belton, Ben Briscoe, John Browne, Jimmy

Deenihan, John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, Denis Foley, Brendan

McGahon, Noel O’Flynn and Ulick Burke. Senators Eddie Bohan, John Dardis,

Michael Finneran and Joe O’Toole.

Apologies received from Deputies Michael Noonan, Seán Ryan and Senator Joe Doyle

The Joint Committee adjourned at 6.20p.m. until 6p.m. on Wednesday 28 February 2001.

_________________

Michael Ahern T.D.

Chairman

28 February 2001.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Minutes of Proceedings

28 February 2001.

1.The Joint Committee met in private session at 6.40p.m. in G2, Kildare House Dublin 2.

2.Attendance: Deputies Michael Ahern, Ben Briscoe, Jimmy Deenihan, Sean Fleming, Senators Eddie Bohan and Joe O’Toole

Apologies from Senator Joe Doyle.

3.Minutes of previous meetings.

The minutes of the meetings of 11 January 2001 and 21 February 2001 were agreed.

4.Draft Annual Report 2000 and Work programme 2001

The Draft Annual Report 2000 was agreed. On the Draft Work Programme 2001, it was agreed that the following specific areas were worth including in the programme:-

(a)a meeting with EU Commissioner Solbes to discuss constraints financially which will be imposed on members states in the context of the Convergence policy;

(b)update on regulation of financial institutions (with the Governor Central Bank);

(c)implementation of, and, progression on, the National Development Plan in general and in particular, the role of the National Roads Authority in that regard.

5.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 6.53p.m. until 11.30 on Wednesday 14 March 2001.

__________________________

Michael Ahern, T.D.

Chairman

27 March 2001

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Minutes of Meeting of 13 March 2001

The Joint Committee met at 11.45 a.m. in Committee Room 2 Leinster House 2000

Attendance

In attendance were Deputies Seán Fleming (in the Chair), Mattie Brennan* Ben Briscoe, Derek Mc Dowell and Dan Neville*.

In attendance also were Senators John Dardis and Michael Finneran.

Apologies were received from Deputy Michael Ahern and Senator Joe Doyle.

1.[Private Session]

The Committee met in Private Session

In Public Session

2.Draft Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour

Presentation by Officials from the Department of Finance

The following officials attended from the Department of Finance:

•Mr. Joe Mc Govern, Assistant Secretary

•Mr. Pat Casey, Principal Officer

•Mr. Kevin Cardiff, Principal Officer

Mr. Mc Govern made a presentation (copies of which were circulated to Members) to the Committee on the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour.

On conclusion of the presentation, there followed a question and answer session with Members. The Committee then agreed to invite the main Civil Service Unions and the IPA to a future meeting of the Committee with a view to seeking their views before concluding the discussion and making a Report to the Houses.

3.Date and Time of Next Meeting

The Committee agreed that the next meeting of the Joint Committee would take place on Tuesday, 27 March at 3.30 p.m. to discuss draft regulations under the Freedom of Information Act.

The Committee also agreed that the Select Committee would meet on Wednesday, 28 March at 2 p.m. to consider the Valuation Bill, 2000.

4.Adjournment

There being no other business the Committee adjourned at 12.55 p.m. until Tuesday, 27^th March at 3.30 p.m.

_________________

Seán Fleming, T.D.

Vice-Chairman

28 February 2001

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Minutes of Meeting of 27 March 2001

The Joint Committee met at 3.35 p.m. in Committee Room 4 Leinster House 2000

Attendance

In attendance were Minister of State at the Department of Finance Deputy Martin Cullen, Deputies Michael Ahern (in the Chair), Ben Briscoe, Jimmy Deenihan, John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, Denis Foley, Jim Mitchell* and Seán Ryan

In attendance also were Senators Eddie Bohan, John Dardis and Michael Finneran.

Apologies were received from Senator Joe Doyle.

1.[Private Session]

The Committee met in Private Session

2.In Public Session

Consideration of Draft Regulations under Freedom of Information Act, 1997.

The meeting was convened to discuss Draft Regulations under the Freedom of Information Act, 1997 which were referred for consideration to the Joint Committee by Orders of the Dáil and Seanad of 6^th March. Minister of State Martin Cullen, T.D. attended the meeting and made a presentation to the Committee outlining the Draft Regulations which provide for the extension of the Freedom of Information Act to bodies in the enterprise and training sector. A question and answer session followed.

On conclusion of the discussion, the Chairman thanked the Minister of State and his officials for their attendance and presentation and announced that in accordance with Dáil Standing Order79B and Seanad Standing Order 67 a message would be sent to the Clerk of the Dáil and the Clerk of the Seanad conveying that the Joint Committee had completed its consideration of the Draft Regulations.

3.Adjournment

There being no other business the Committee adjourned at 4.10 p.m.

________________

Michael Ahern, T.D.

Chairman

9^th May 2001

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Minutes of Meeting of 9 May, 2001

The Joint Committee met at 6 p.m. in Committee Room 2 Leinster House 2000

In attendance were Deputies Michael Ahern (in the Chair), Louis Belton, Ben Briscoe, Jimmy Deenihan, Seán Fleming, Denis Foley, Derek Mc Dowell, Paul Mc Grath, Jim Mitchell, Noel O’Flynn and Seán Ryan.

In attendance also were Senators John Dardis, Joe Doyle and Joe O’Toole.

1.[Private Session]

The Committee met in Private Session

In Public session

2.Presentation by Officials from Department of Finance on the National Development Plan

The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, welcomed the delegation (listed below) to the meeting.

Mr. Aidan Dunning, Assistant Secretary, Department of Finance

Mr. Niall Callan, Assistant Secretary, Department of Environment & Local Government

Mr. Andrew Cullen, Assistant Secretary Department of Public Enterprise

Ms. Mary Doyle, Assistant Secretary, Department of the Taoiseach

Ms. Sylda Langford, Asst. Secretary, Dept. of Justice, Equality & Law Reform

Mr. Michael Egan, Head of Corporate Affairs, National Roads Authority.

Mr. Nick O’Murchu, Principal Officer, Department of Finance

Mr. Michael English, Prin. Officer, Dept. of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Mr. Michael Cunniffe, Prin. Officer, Dept. of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Mr. Tom Heffernan, Assistant Principal Officer, Department of Finance

Mr. Dunning made a comprehensive presentation to the Committee, which was followed by a question and answer session.

The Chairman thanked the delegation for its attendance and for the comprehensive presentation made.

3.Adjournment

There being no other business the Committee adjourned at 8.40p.m.

______________________

Michael Ahern, T.D.

Chairman

28 June 2001

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Minutes of Meeting of 28 June, 2001

The Joint Committee met at 11.30 a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House

In attendance were Deputies Michael Ahern (in the Chair), Seán Fleming, Derek Mc Dowell, Paul Mc Grath and Noel O’Flynn.

In attendance also were Senators Eddie Bohan, Joe Doyle and Joe O’Toole.

In attendance also was Martin Cullen, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Finance.

1.[Private Session]

The Committee met in Private Session

In Public Session

Consideration of EU Conventions and Protocols

The meeting was convened to consider five instruments (given legal effect by the Customs and Excise (Mutual Assistance) Act, 2001 which were referred for consideration to the Joint Committee by Orders of the Dáil and Seanad of 20^th and 19^th of June respectively. Minister of State at the Department of Finance Martin Cullen, T.D. and his officials attended the meeting and made a presentation to the Committee on the Conventions, Agreement and Protocols. A question and answer session followed.

On conclusion of the discussion, the Chairman thanked the Minister of State and his officials for their attendance and presentation and announced that in accordance with Dáil Standing Order79B and Seanad Standing Order 67 a message would be sent to the Clerk of the Dáil and the Clerk of the Seanad conveying that the Joint Committee had completed its consideration of the five instruments.

2.Adjournment

There being no other business the Committee adjourned at 12.05p.m.until Wednesday, 18^th July.

______________________

Michael Ahern, T.D.

Chairman

18^th July 2001.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Minutes of Meeting of 18 July, 2001

The Joint Committee met at 10.30 a.m. in CR2, LH2000

In attendance were Deputies Michael Ahern (in the Chair), Ben Briscoe, John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, Cecelia Keaveney*, Derek Mc Dowell, John Mc Guinness**, Jim Mitchell, and Noel O’Flynn.

1.In attendance also were Senators Eddie Bohan, Peter Callanan*, John Dardis, Joe Doyle, Willie Farrell* and Michael Finneran.

Deputy Batt O’Keeffe attended pursuant to Standing Order 84(3)

Apologies were received from Deputy Jimmy Deenihan.

[Private Session]

The Committee met in Private Session.

In Public Session

2.Presentation by Dr. Maurice O’Connell, Governor of the Central Bank regarding the Euro Changeover.

The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, welcomed the delegation (listed below) to the meeting.

Dr. Maurice O’Connell, Governor of the Central Bank

Mr. Louis O’Byrne, Assistant Director General

Mr. Neil Whoriskey

The Chairman informed the meeting that whereas Members of the Houses have privilege in respect of utterances made before the Committee, other persons appearing before the Committee do not and Members were reminded of the long standing Parliamentary Practice to the effect that Members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him/her identifiable.

Dr. O’Connell made a comprehensive presentation to the Committee, which was followed by a question and answer session.

The Chairman thanked the delegation for its attendance and for the comprehensive presentation made.

3.Presentation by Ms. Carmel Foley, Director of Consumer Affairs regarding the Euro Changeover.

The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, welcomed the delegation (listed below) to the meeting.

Ms. Carmel Foley, Director of Consumer Affairs

Ms. Bríd O’Connor

Mr. Cathal O’ Gorman

The Chairman informed the meeting that whereas Members of the Houses have privilege in respect of utterances made before the Committee, other persons appearing before the Committee do not and Members were reminded of the long standing Parliamentary Practice to the effect that Members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him/her identifiable.

Ms. Foley made a comprehensive presentation to the Committee, which was followed by a question and answer session.

The Chairman thanked the delegation for its attendance and for the comprehensive presentation made.

4.Adjournment

There being no other business the Committee adjourned at 1.p.m. until September,(date to be decided and the business to be taken to be agreed with the convenors and spokespersons).

______________________

Michael Ahern, T.D.

Chairman

10 October 2001

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Minutes of Meeting of 10 October, 2001

The Joint Committee met at 6 p.m. in CR2, LH2000

In attendance were Minister of State at the Department of Finance Deputy Martin Cullen, Deputies Michael Ahern (in the Chair), Louis Belton, Jimmy Deenihan, John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, Denis Foley, Jim Mitchell, and Noel O’Flynn.

In attendance also were Senators Eddie Bohan, Frank Chambers* and Joe O’Toole.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputy Ben Briscoe and Senator Joe Doyle.

The Committee went into private session to deal with items 1 and 2 on the agenda.

1.[Private Session].

The Committee met in Private Session.

In Public session

2.Draft Regulations under the Freedom of Information Act, 1997

The Chairman welcomed Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Mr. Martin Cullen, T.D., and his officials to the meeting, which had been convened to discuss the Draft Regulations under the Freedom of Information Act, 1997 which were referred for consideration to the Joint Committee by Orders of the Dáil and Seanad.

The Minister made an opening statement, which was followed by a question and answer session.

The Chairman thanked Minister Cullen and his officials for their attendance and informed the Committee that, having completed its consideration of the proposal to approve Draft Regulations entitled 'Freedom of Information Act, 1997 (Prescribed Bodies) (No.4) Regulations, 2001, in accordance with Dáil Standing Order79B and Seanad Standing Order 67, the Clerk to the Committee would now send a message to the Clerk of the Dáil and the Clerk of the Seanad to that effect which would be conveyed to the Dáil by the Ceann Comhairle and to the Seanad by the Cathaoirleach.

3.Any Other Business

There being no other business the meeting was adjourned at 6.56p.m.until Wednesday, 24^th October, 2001.

___________________________

Michael Ahern, T.D.

Chairman

6 November 2001

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Minutes of Meeting of 6 November, 2001

The Joint Committee met at 12.30 p.m. in CR3, LH2000

In attendance were Minister of State at the Department of Finance Deputy Martin Cullen, Deputies Michael Ahern (in the Chair), John Dennehy and Paul McGrath.

In attendance also were Senators John Dardis, Joe Doyle and Camillus Glynn*.

Apologies were received from Deputies Louis Belton, Ben Briscoe, Seán Fleming and Denis Foley.

Apologies were also received from Senator Joe O’Toole.

The Committee went into private session to deal with items 1 and 2 on the agenda.

[Private Session]

1.The Committee met in Private Session.

2. In Public session

Consideration of Draft Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income and Capital Gains) (Kingdom of Norway) Order, 2001, and Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income and Capital Gains) (Republic of India) Order, 2001

The meeting had been convened to consider proposals regarding Draft Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income and Capital Gains) (Kingdom of Norway) Order, 2001 and Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income and Capital Gains) (Republic of India) Order; 2001which were referred for consideration to the Joint Committee by Orders of the Dáil and Seanad of 16^th and 17^th October, respectively. Members had been circulated with copies of the draft Orders and briefing material from the Department of Finance.

The Chairman, On behalf of the Joint Committee, welcomed Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Martin Cullen, T.D., and his officials.

The Minister made his opening statement, which was followed by a question and answer session.

The Chairman thanked Minister Cullen and his officials for their attendance and informed the Committee that, having completed its consideration of the proposal to approve Draft Orders entitled Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income and Capital Gains) (Kingdom of Norway) Order, 2001 and Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income and Capital Gains) (Republic of India) Order, 2001 in accordance with Dáil Standing Order79B and Seanad Standing Order 67, the Clerk to the Committee would now send a message to the Clerk of the Dáil and the Clerk of the Seanad to that effect which would be conveyed to the Dáil by the Ceann Comhairle and to the Seanad by the Cathaoirleach.

3.Next meeting

Members were reminded that the Joint Committee would meet again on (7^th November) at 11.30 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH 2000 to have a general discussion with the Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. Maurice O’Connell, on developments in the Irish and European economies.

4.Adjournment

There being no other business the meeting was adjourned at 1 p.m. until Wednesday, 7^th November, 2001.

______________________

Michael Ahern, T.D.

Chairman

21 November, 2001

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Minutes of Meeting of 7 November, 2001

The Joint Committee met at 11.30 a.m. in CR2, LH2000

In attendance were Deputies Michael Ahern (in the Chair), Louis J. Belton, John Browne (Wexford), Jimmy Deenihan, John Dennehy, Denis Foley, Derek Mc Dowell, Billy Kelleher* and Jim Mitchell.

In attendance also were Senators Eddie Bohan, Joe Doyle and Michael Finneran.

Apologies were received from Deputy Ben Briscoe.

1.In Public session

Presentation by Dr. Maurice O’Connell, Governor of the Central Bank

The Chairman welcomed Dr. Maurice O’Connell and his colleagues Mr. Maurice Mc Guire and Mr. Hugh O’Donnell to the meeting and thanked them for their acceptance of the Committee’s invitation to have a general discussion on developments in the Irish and European economies in the aftermath of the events of 11^th September.

The Committee agreed that Dr. O’ Connell would address the Committee and that a question and answer session would follow.

Dr. O’ Connell made his opening statement (copies of which were circulated to Members). There followed a question and answer session.

The Chairman thanked Dr. O Connell and his colleagues for their attendance and for the comprehensive presentation made.

2.Next meeting

Members were reminded that the Select Committee would meet again on Tuesday, 13^th November at 11.30 a.m. in Committee Room 4 LH 2000 to take Committee Stage of the Asset Covered Securities Bill, 2001

3.Adjournment

There being no other business the meeting was adjourned at 1.05 p.m. until Tuesday, 13^th November 2001

_____________________

Michael Ahern, T.D.

Chairman

21 November, 2001

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Minutes of Meeting of 21 November, 2001

1.The Joint Committee met at 6.05p.m. in CR2, LH2000

2.In attendance were Deputies Michael Ahern (in the chair), Louis J. Belton, Ben Briscoe, Seán Fleming, Derek McDowell, and Seán Ryan.

In attendance also were Senators John Dardis, Joe Doyle and Michael Finneran

Apologies were received from Deputy Noel O’Flynn

Apologies were also received from senator Eddie Bohan

[In Private Session]

The Committee met in Private Session

[Public Session]

3.Presentations by Ms Carmel Foley (Director of Consumer Affairs) Mr James Bardon (Director General Irish Bankers’ Federation) Mr Larry Broderick (General Secretary I.B.O.A.)

The Chairman welcomed Ms. Foley, Mr. Bardon, Mr. Broderick and their colleagues to the meeting and thanked them for their acceptance of the Committee’s invitation for an exchange of views regarding concerns expressed by the Director of Consumer Affairs at the recent decision by Bank of Ireland to restrict certain over the counter services to customers, the recently produced IBF voluntary code of practice and restructuring of operations to deal with the advent of new technology and other relatedmatters. The Chairman also welcomed Mr. Finbarr Murphy, Group Legal Adviser, Bank of Ireland who did not make a presentation but was present to respond, if necessary, to issues arising.

The Committee agreed that each of the representatives would address the Committee and that a question and answer session would follow.

The Chairman reminded the visitors that whereas Members of the Houses had privilege in respect of utterances made before the Committee other persons appearing before the Committee did not and Members were reminded of the long standing parliamentary practice to the effect that Members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him/her identifiable.

Ms. Foley made her opening statement followed by Mr. Bardon and Mr. Broderick(copies of statements were circulated to Members). There followed a comprehensive question and answer session.

Before contributing, Senator John Dardis, in accordance with Section 7 (2) (a) of the Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995 declared that he is a shareholder in Bank of Ireland.

The Chairman thanked Ms. Foley, Mr. Bardon and Mr. Broderick and their colleagues for their attendance and for the comprehensive presentations made.

4.Adjournment

There being no other business the Committee adjourned at 8.15p.m. sine die.

___________________

Michael Ahern, T.D.

Chairman

30 January 2002

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Minutes of Meeting of 29 November, 2001

The Joint Committee met at 2.10p.m.

In attendance were Deputies Michael Ahern (in the Chair), and Seán Fleming.

In attendance also were Senators Eddie Bohan, John Dardis and Joe Doyle

1.In Public session

Consideration of proposals re. Appointments to the Standards in Public Office Commission and commencement of Act.

The Chairman welcomed Martin Cullen T.D. Minister of State at the Department of Finance and his officials to the meeting which had been convened to consider proposals regarding Appointments to the Standards in Public Office Commission and the commencement of the Standards in Public Office Act, 2001 as it relates to Members and certain staff of the Houses of the Oireachtas which were referred for consideration to the Joint Committee by Orders of the Dáil and Seanad of 27th and 28th November, respectively.

The Minister circulated his statement and, with the agreement of Members, it was deemed to have been read into the record. There followed a question and answer session.

On conclusion, the Chairman informed the Committee that in accordance with Dáil Standing Order 79B and Seanad Standing Order 67 the Clerk to the Joint Committee would now send a message to the Clerk of the Dáil and the Clerk of the Seanad to the effect that the Committee had completed its consideration of the proposals and that the message would be conveyed to the Dáil by the Ceann Comhairle and to the Seanad by the Cathaoirleach.

The Chairman thanked the Minister of State and his officials for attending the meeting.

2. Adjournment

There being no other business the Committee was adjourned at 2.15p.m. sine die

___________________

Michael Ahern, T.D.

Chairman

30 January 2002

APPENDIX 6

Work Programme 2002

The Joint Committee intend to review specific major areas of policy falling within the remit of the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance. As part of that process, the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance may be invited to appear before the Committee to outline policy and respond to detailed questions. Where necessary, the Committee will seek also submissions from the public and may, if the need arises, engage persons with particular expertise to advise and assist it in its work.

Some of the areas which the Joint Committee intends to pursue during 2002 include:

•Draft Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour;

•Freedom of Information Act, 1997;

•Reserves held in the Central Bank;

•Review of Benchmarking process;

•Implementation of the National Development Plan in general, and in particular, the role of the National Roads Authority in the process;

•Investment in the context of Convergence Policy;

•Review of the regulation of financial institutions;

•Monitor impact of Euro changeover;

•Funding of Pensions;

•Strategy Statements and Strategic Management Initiative in the Departments of the Taoiseach and Finance.

The items listed above are not in any order of priority and an overall approach will be decided on in the light of actual experience. Apart from the above list, it is likely that other relevant issues will arise during the year and those will be addressed as and when the need arises.

Bodies under the aegis of the Departments of the Taoiseach/Finance

▪National Economic and Social Council;

▪Economic and Social Research Institute;

▪Institute of Public Administration.

* Deputies Mattie Brennan and Dan Neville substituted for Deputies Noel O’Flynn and Jimmy Deenihan respectively.

* Deputy Jim Mitchell substituted for Deputy Michael Noonan.

* Deputy Keaveney substituted for Deputy John Browne (Wexford)

** Deputy Mc Guinness substituted for Deputy Fleming for part of the meeting.

* Senators Peter Callanan and Willie Farrell substituted for Senators Eddie Bohan and Michael Finneran, respectively, for part of the meeting.

* Senator Frank Chambers substituted for Senator Michael Finneran.

* Senator Camillus Glynn substituted for Senator Michael Finneran.

* Deputy Billy Kelleher substituted for Deputy Noel O’Flynn.