|
|
|
|
APPENDIX 4Minutes of Proceedings of the CommitteeDéardaoin 14 Samhain 2002Thursday 14 November 20021. The Committee met at 11.00 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (In the chair following election), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, Joe Higgins, Pádraic McCormack, Batt O’Keeffe, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Election of Chairman Deputy John Perry was elected as Chairman 5. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 12.35 p.m. until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 21 November 2002. Déardaoin 21 Samhain 2002Thursday 21 November 20021. The Committee met at 11.00 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Sean Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, Sean Fleming, Joe Higgins, Padraic McCormack, John McGuinness, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Election of Vice Chairman Deputy John McGuinness was elected as Vice Chairman Consideration of Appropriation Accounts 2001. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts for the year 2001. The following Account was disposed of:- Vote 22 - The Courts Service The following Chapter was disposed of:- The Courts Service: Chapter 6.1 — The Administration of Bail Consideration of Value for Money Report The Committee deliberated and disposed of the following Value For Money Report (No. 37):- Collection of Fines Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform: Report of the High Level Group to the Public Accounts Committee on the collection of fines (following C&AG’s Report on Value for Money Examination No. 37 - “Collection of Fines”) Consideration of Report The Committee deliberated and disposed of the following Report:- Report of the Working Group on Court Funds to the Committee on Public Accounts 5. Sitting suspended at 11.20 a.m. and resumed at 11.35 a.m. 6. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. P.J. Fitzpatrick (Chief Executive Officer The Courts Service), Chief Superintendent Denis Fitzpatrick (An Garda Síochána), Superintendent Gerry Blake (An Gárda Síochána), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 7. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 1.35 p.m., until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 5 December 2002. Déardaoin 5 Nollaig 2002Thursday 5 December 20021. The Committee met at 11.00 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, John Dennehy, Joe Higgins, Pádraic McCormack, John McGuinness. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Expressions of sympathy on the death of Mr. Jim Mitchell, former Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee 5. Sitting suspended at 11.02 a.m. and resumed at 11.27 a.m. 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 12.30 p.m., until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 12 December 2002. Déardaoin 12 Nollaig 2002Thursday 12 December 20021. The Committee met at 11.15 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, John Curran, John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, Joe Higgins, Pádraic McCormack, John McGuinness, Batt O’Keeffe, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts 2001. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts for the year 2001. The following Account was disposed of:- Vote 36 - Department of Defence Vote 37 - Army Pensions The following Chapter was disposed of:- Chapter 10.1 — Building Maintenance 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. David J. O’Callaghan (Secretary General, Department of Defence), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 1.35 p.m., until 11.00 a.m. on Wednesday 18 December 2002. Dé Céadaoin 18 Nollaig 2002Wednesday 18 December 20021. The Committee met at 11.05 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, Pádraic McCormack, John McGuinness, Batt O’Keeffe, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts 2001. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts for the year 2001. The following Account was disposed of:- Vote 34 - Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment. 5. Sitting suspended at 12.09 p.m. and resumed at 12.45 a.m. 6. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. Paul Haran (Secretary General, Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 7. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 1.45 p.m., until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 16 January 2003. Déardaoin 16 Eanáir 2003Thursday 16 January 20031. The Committee met at 11.10 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, John Dennehy, Joe Higgins, Pádraic McCormack, John McGuinness, Batt O’Keeffe, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts 2001. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts for the year 2001. The following Account was adjourned:- Vote 33 - Department of Health and Children The following Chapters were adjourned:- Department of Health and Children: Chapter 9.1 — Extension of Medical Card Eligibility to Persons aged 70 and over. Chapter 9.2 — Drugs Payment Scheme. 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. Michael Kelly (Secretary General, Dept of Health and Children), Mr. Joe Mooney (Principal Officer, Public Expenditure Division, Department of Finance), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 2.25 p.m., until 12.00 noon on Thursday 23 January 2003. Déardaoin 23 Eanáir 2003Thursday 23 January 20031. The Committee met at 12.05 p.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Sean Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, Seán Fleming, Joe Higgins, Pádraic McCormack, John McGuinness, Batt O’Keeffe, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts 2001. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts for the year 2001. The following Accounts were disposed of:- Vote 1 - Presidents Establishment Vote 6 - Office of the Minister for Finance Vote 7 - Superannuation and Retired Allowances Vote 12 - Secret Service Contingency Fund Deposit Account Department of Finance - Finance Accounts 2000 and 2001 The following Chapter was adjourned:- Office of the Revenue Commissioners: Chapter 4.10 — Forecasting of Tax Receipts 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. Tom Considine (Secretary General, Department of Finance), Mr. Donal McNally (Second Secretary, Budget & Economy Division, Department of Finance), Mr. Paddy Molloy (Principal Officer, Statistics, Office of the Revenue Commissioners), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 3.15 p.m., until 11.00 a.m. on Wednesday 29 January 2003. Dé Céadaoin 29 Eanáir 2003Wednesday 29 January 20031. The Committee met at 11.10 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, Seán Fleming, Joe Higgins, Pádraic McCormack, John McGuinness, Batt O’Keeffe, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Account 2001. Consideration of Appropriation Account for the year 2001. The following Account was adjourned:- Vote 25 - Department of Environment and Local Government (including examination of Dúchas) 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. Niall Callan (Secretary General, Department of Environment and Local Government), Mr. Michael Canny (Assistant Secretary, Dúchas), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 2.00 p.m., until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 13 February 2003. Déardaoin 13 Feabhra 2003Thursday 13 February 20031. The Committee met at 11.15 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, John Dennehy Seán Fleming, Joe Higgins, Pádraic McCormack, Batt O’Keeffe, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Account 2001. The following Chapter was disposed of:- Office of the Revenue Commissioners: Chapter 4.7 — In Depth Examination of Tax Written Off 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. Frank Daly (Chairman, Office of the Revenue Commissioners), Mr. Paul Farrell (Registrar of Companies, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 1.50 p.m., until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 20 February 2003. Déardaoin 20 Feabhra 2003Thursday 20 February 20031. The Committee met at 10.40 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, JohnCurran, John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, Joe Higgins, Pádraic McCormack, John McGuinness, Batt O’Keeffe, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Annual Financial Statement for 2001. The following Statement was disposed of:- National Roads Authority Annual Financial Statement 2001. 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. Michael Tobin (Chief Executive, National Road Authority), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 1.50 p.m., until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 27 February 2003. Déardaoin 27 Feabhra 2003Thursday 27 February 20031. The Committee met at 11.15 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, John Dennehy, Joe Higgins, Pádraic McCormack, Batt O’Keeffe, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Account 2001. Consideration of Appropriation Account for the year 2001. The following Account was disposed of:- Vote 40 - Department of Social and Family Affairs The following Chapter was disposed of:- Department of Social and Family Affairs: Chapter 11.1 — Overpayments Consideration of Appropriation Account 2000 The following Paragraph was disposed off:- Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs: Paragraph 36 — Irregularity at Branch Office 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. John Hynes (Secretary General, Department of Social and Family Affairs), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 1.05 p.m., until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 6 March 2003. Déardaoin 6 Márta 2003Thursday 6 March 20031. The Committee met at 11.10 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, Seán Fleming, Joe Higgins, Pádraic McCormack, Batt O’Keeffe, 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Account 2001. Consideration of Appropriation Account for the year 2001. The following Account was disposed of:- Vote 31 - Department of Agriculture and Food The following Chapters were disposed of:- Department of Agriculture and Food: Chapter 8.1 — BSE Eradication Programme Chapter 8.2 — FEOGA Guarantee Expenditure — Ewe Premium Scheme Chapter 8.3 — Interest Payments under the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act, 1997 Chapter 8.4 — Ballaghaderreen Fire Case Settlement 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. John Malone (Secretary General, Department of Agriculture and Food), Mr. Robert Carey, (Principal Officer, Department of Finance), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 1.50 p.m., until 11.00 a.m. on Wednesday 12 March 2003. Dé Céadaoin 12 Márta 2003Wednesday 12 March 20031. The Committee met at 11.10 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, Joe Higgins, 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Account 2001. Consideration of Appropriation Account for the year 2001. The following Accounts were adjourned:- Vote 26 - Office of the Minister for Education Vote 27 - First Level Education Vote 28 - Second Level and Further Education Vote 29 - Third Level and Further Education The following Chapter was disposed of:- Department of Education and Science: Chapter 7.1 - Examinations Branch 5. Sitting suspended at 11.58 a.m. and resumed at 12.50 p.m. 6. Witnesses Examined:- Mr John Dennehy (Secretary General, Department of Education and Science), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 7. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 2.25 p.m., until 10.00 a.m. on Thursday 27 March 2003 Dé Céadaoin 27 Márta 2003Wednesday 27 March 20031. The Committee met at 11.10 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, Joe Higgins, Pádraic McCormack, John McGuinness, Batt O’Keeffe, 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Account 2001. Department of Health and Children Chapter 9.1 - The Administration of the Medical Card System Specifically dealing with medical card duplication and the upkeep and accuracy of the medical card databases. 5. Sitting suspended at 10.42a.m. and resumed at 10.58 a.m. Sitting suspended at 1.25p.m. and resumed at 2.15 p.m. Sitting suspended at 3.30p.m. and resumed at 4.22p.m. 6. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. Michael Lyons (Regional Chief Executive, Eastern Regional Health Authority), Ms. Maureen Windle (Chief Executive Officer, Northern Area Health Board), Mr. Pat Donnelly (Chief Executive Officer, South Western Area Health Board), Mr. Gavin Maguire, (Chief Executive Officer, East Coast Area Health Board), Mr. Paul Robinson (Chief Executive Officer, North Eastern Health Board), Robinson (Chief Executive Officer, North Eastern Health Board), Mr. Pat Harvey (Chief Executive Officer, North Western Health Board), Mr. Seán Hurly (Chief Executive Officer, Southern Health Board), Mr. Pat McLoughlin, (Chief Executive Officer, South Eastern Health Board), Mr Stiofán de Búrca, (Chief Executive Officer, Mid-Western Health Board), Dr. Sheelah Ryan (Chief Executive Officer, Western Health Board), Mr. Patrick Gaughen, (Chief Executive Officer, Midland Health Board), Mr. Tom Mooney, (Deputy Secretary, Primary Health Care Division, Department of Health and Children), Mr. Patrick Burke (Chief Officer, General Medical Services (Payments) Board), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General) 7. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 4.30 p.m., until 11.00 a.m. on Wednesday, 2 April, 2003. Dé Céadaoin 2 Aibreán 2003Wednesday 2 April 20031. The Committee met at 11.15 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, John Dennehy, Joe Higgins, Pádraic McCormack, John McGuinness, Batt O’Keeffe 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Report The Committee deliberated and disposed of the following Report:- Comptroller and Auditor General Special Report Number 4 — Department of Health and Children — Financial Control and Management in the Irish Blood Transfusion Service. 5. Sitting suspended at 11.58 a.m. and resumed at 12.25 p.m. 6. Witnesses Examined:- Mr Andrew Kelly (Acting Chief Executive Officer, Irish Blood Transfusion Service), Mr. Paul Barron (Assistant Secretary, Acute Hospitals and Blood Policy Division, Department of Health and Children), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 7. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 1.25 p.m., until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 10 April 2003. Déardaoin 10 Aibreán 2003Thursday 10 April 20031. The Committee met at 11.10 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Dan Boyle, John Curran, John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, Joe Higgins, Pádraic McCormack, John McGuinness, Batt O’Keeffe. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Account 2001 Consideration of Appropriation Account for the year 2001. The following Account was disposed of:- Vote 9 - Office of the Revenue Commissioners The following Chapters were disposed of:- Office of the Revenue Commissioners: Chapter 4.1 - Revenue Account Chapter 4.2 - Outstanding Taxes and PRSI Chapter 4.3 - Revenue Audit Programme Chapter 4.4 - Revenue Prosecution Activity Chapter 4.5 - Special Investigations Chapter 4.6 - Write Offs Chapter 4.8 - Repayments of Value Added Tax to Registered Traders Chapter 4.9 - Dividend Withholding Tax 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. Frank Daly (Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners), Mr. Paddy Molloy (Principal Officer, Statistics, Office of the Revenue Commissioners), Mr Dermot Mulligan (Principal Officer, Budget and Economic Division, Department of Finance), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 2.25 p.m., until 11.00 a.m. on Wednesday 16 April 2003. Dé Céadaoin 16 Aibreán 2003Wednesday 16 April 20031. The Committee met at 11.25 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, Joe Higgins, Pádraic McCormack, John McGuinness, Batt O’Keeffe, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Value for Money Report. The Committee deliberated and disposed of the following Value For Money Report (No.43):- The Building Maintenance Service Consideration of Appropriation Account 2001. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts for the year 2001. The following Accounts were disposed of:- Vote 10 - Office of Public Works Vote 44 — Flood Relief 5. Sitting suspended at 11.58 a.m. and resumed at 12.50 p.m. 6. Witnesses Examined Mr. Sean Benton (Chairman of the Office of Public Works), Mr. Dermot Quigley (Principal Officer, Department of Finance), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 7. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 2.05 p.m., until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 8 May 2003. Déardaoin 8 Bealtaine 2003Thursday 8 May 20031. The Committee met at 11.15 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, Joe Higgins, Pádraic McCormack, Batt O’Keeffe. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Account 2001. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts for the year 2001. The following Accounts were disposed of:- Vote 4 - Ordnance Survey Ireland Vote 5 - Central Statistics Office The following Chapters were disposed of. Ordnance Survey Ireland: Chapter 2.1 — Shortcomings in Financial Control Central Statistics Office: Chapter 3.1 — Census of Population 5. Sitting suspended at 12.43 a.m. and resumed at 1.05 p.m. Sitting suspended at 1.48 a.m. and resumed at 1.51 p.m. 6. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. Richard Kirwan (Director, Ordnance Survey Ireland), Mr Donal Garvey (Director General, Central Statistics Office), Mr Bill Keating (Director, Macro Economics Statistics, Central Statistics Office), Mr Gerry O’Hanlon (Director, Demographic and Social Statistics, Central Statistics Office), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 7. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 2.30 p.m., until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 15 May 2003. Déardaoin 15 Bealtaine 2003Thursday 15 May 20031. The Committee met at 11.05 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, John Dennehy, Joe Higgins, Pádraic McCormack, John McGuinness, Batt O’Keeffe, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Account 2000 The following Paragraph was disposed off. Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform: Paragraph 19 — Analysis of the Cost and Usage of Air Support Consideration of Appropriation Account 2001. The following Chapter was disposed of:- Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform: Garda Síochána and Prisons Overtime. Chapter 5.1 - Overtime Cost of Bank Escorts (discussed) Consideration of Account. The committee deliberated and disposed of the following account:- Criminal Assets Bureau — Accounts 2001 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. Tim Dalton, (Secretary General, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform), Mr. David O’Callaghan, (Secretary General, Department of Defence), Mr. Seán Aylward, (Director General, Irish Prisons Service), Mr Michael Culhane, (Director of Finance, An Garda Síochána) Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 2.25 p.m., until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 22 May 2003. Déardaoin 22 Bealtaine 2003Thursday 22 May 20031. The Committee met at 11.15 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, Pádraic McCormack, John McGuinness, Batt O’Keeffe. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4.Consideration of Value for Money Report The Committee deliberated and noted the following Value For Money Report (No.42):- Car Parking at Beaumont Hospital 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. Michael Kelly (Secretary General, Department of Health and Children), Mr. John Lamont (Chief Executive, Beaumont Hospital), Mr. Joe Mooney (Principal Officer: PED, Department of Finance) Mr. Liam Murphy, Principal Officer, Department of Finance), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 2.00 p.m., until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 29 May 2003. Déardaoin 29 Bealtaine 2003Thursday 29 May 20031. The Committee met at 11.10 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, Sean Fleming, Pádraic McCormack, John McGuinness. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Account 2001 Consideration of Appropriation Accounts for the year 2001. The following Account was disposed of:- Vote 42 — Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands The following Chapter was disposed of:- Chapter 12.1 — State Subsidised Transport Services to the Aran Islands 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. Gerry Kearney (Secretary General, Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs), Mr. Philip Furlong (Secretary General, Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism) Mr. Michael Canny (Assistant Secretary, Corporate Services Division (Dúchas)), Mr. Ciaran Ó hObain (Principal Officer, Broadcasting, Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources), Mr. Tony Carberry (Assistant Principal, Department of Finance) Mr. Dave Hurley (Principal Officer: OMT Division, Department of Finance) Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 2.15 p.m., until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 12 June 2003. Déardaoin 12 Meitheamh 2003Thursday 12 June 20031. The Committee met at 11.15 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, John Curran, John Dennehy, Joe Higgins, Pádraic McCormack, John McGuinness, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Value for Money Report The Committee deliberated and disposed of the following Value For Money Report (No.41):- “Planning Appeals” - Department of Environment and Local Government 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. John O’Connor (Chairperson, An Bord Pleanála), Ms. Mary Moylan (Assistant Secretary, Planning and Heritage Division, Department of Environment and Local Government), Mr. Michael Smith (National Chairman, An Taisce), Mr. Ian Lumley, (National Heritage Officer, An Taisce) Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 2.40 p.m., until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 19 June 2003. Déardaoin 19 Meitheamh 2003Thursday 19 June 20031. The Committee met at 11.05 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran (In the Chair for part of the meeting), John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, John McGuinness, Batt O’Keeffe, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Accounts The committee deliberated and disposed of the following accounts:- National Treasury Management Agency Accounts 2001 National Pension Reserve Fund Accounts 2001 Consideration of Appropriation Account 2001 The following Chapters were disposed of. National Treasury Management Agency: Chapter 13.1 - National Debt Chapter 13.2 - Savings Bank Fund 5. Witnesses Examined:- Dr. Michael J. Somers (Chief Executive, National Treasury Management Agency), Mr Donal Geaney (Chairman, National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 2.05p.m., until 11.00 a.m. on Tuesday 24 June 2003. Dé Máirt 24 Meitheamh 2003Tuesday 24 June 20031. The Committee met at 11.15 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, Michael Noonan, Batt O’Keeffe, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Annual Financial Statements for 2001. The following Statements were disposed of:- Teagasc Financial Statements 2001 Moorepark Technology Financial Statements 2001 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. Jim Flanagan (Director, Teagasc), Mr. Denis Bates (Head of Finance, Teagasc), Mr. William J.Donnelly (Director of Moorepark Technology Ltd.) Mr. Jim Beecher (Assistant Secretary with responsibility for Economics & Planning, Crop Policy, State Bodies, North/South Co-operation) Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 1.25p.m., until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 26 June 2003 Déardaoin 26 Meitheamh 2003Thursday 26 June 20031. The Committee met at 11.15 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, Joe Higgins, John McGuinness, Michael Noonan, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Value for Money Report The following Value for Money Report was adjourned:- Purchasing of Tyres by the Garda Síochána (resumed) Consideration of Report The Committee deliberated and adjourned the following Report:- Special Report No. 5 - Garda Interview Recording Systems. 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. Tim Dalton (Secretary General, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform) Mr. Michael Culhane (Director of Finance, An Garda Síochána), Mr. Jim Ryan (Office of Public Works), Mr. Billy Noone (Assistant Principal, Public, Private Partnership Section, Department of Finance) Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 2.30p.m. until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 3 July 2003. Déardaoin 3 Iúil 2003Thursday 3 July 20031. The Committee met at 11.20 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, John Dennehy, John McGuinness Michael Noonan, Batt O’Keeffe 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Annual Financial Statements The Committee deliberated and disposed of the following Statements:- City of Dublin Vocational Education Accounts 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001 (plus Section 7 Report) Consideration of Accounts The Committee deliberated and disposed of the following accounts:- Bord Iascaigh Mhara 2000 - 2001 Accounts (plus Supplementary Report) 5. Sitting suspended at 2.21 p.m. and resumed at 2.28 p.m. 6. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. W. J. Arundel (Chief Executive Officer, City of Dublin VEC), Mr. Pat Burke (Assistant Secretary General, Post Primary Division, Department of Education and Science), Mr. Pat Keogh (Chief Executive, Bord Iascaigh Mhara), Ms Josephine Kelly (Principal Officer, Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 3.45 p.m, until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 24 July 2003 Déardaoin 24 Iúil 2003Thursday 24 July 20031. The Committee met at 11.10 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, John Dennehy, Joe Higgins, John McGuinness Michael Noonan, Batt O’Keeffe, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Annual Financial Statements The Committee deliberated and disposed of the following Statements:- Midland Health Board Annual Financial Statement 2001 Western Health Board Annual Financial Statements 2000 and 2001. 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. Pat Gaughan (Chief Executive Officer, Midland Health Board), Dr. Sheelah Ryan (Chief Executive Officer, Western Health Board) Ms Fiona Prendergast (Assistant Principal Officer — Finance Unit, Department of Health and Children), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 2.10 p.m, until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 25 September 2003 Déardaoin 25 Meán Fómhair 2003Thursday 25 September 20031. The Committee met at 11.10 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, John McGuinness, Batt O’Keeffe, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts 2001. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts for the year 2001. The following Account was disposed of:- Vote 33 - Department of Health and Children (resumed) The following Chapters were disposed of:- Chapter 9.1 — Extension of Medical Card Eligibility to Persons aged 70 and over (resumed) Chapter 9.2 — Drugs Payment Scheme (resumed) 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. Michael Kelly (Secretary General, Department of Health and Children), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 1.30 p.m, until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 2 October 2003. Déardaoin 2 Deireadh Fómhair 2003Thursday 2 October 20031. The Committee met at 11.10 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, John McGuinness, Micheal Noonan, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts 2002. The following Chapter was adjourned:- Department of Education and Science: Chapter 4.7 — Residential Institutions Redress Scheme 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr John Dennehy (Secretary General, Department of Education and Science), Mr. Thomas Boland (Director of Policy, Department of Education and Science) Mr. David Doyle (Second Secretary, Public Expenditure Division, Department of Finance) Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 3.30 p.m, until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 9 October 2003. Déardaoin 9 Deireadh Fómhair 2003Thursday 9 October 20031. The Committee met at 11.10 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, John McGuinness, Michael Noonan, Batt O’Keeffe, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. 4. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 1.15 p.m, until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 16 October 2003. Déardaoin 16 Deireadh Fómhair 2003Thursday 16 October 20031. The Committee met at 11.15 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Seán Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, Michael Noonan, Batt O’Keeffe, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts 2002. The following Chapters were adjourned:- Office of the Revenue Commissioners: Chapter 2.1 — Revenue Account Chapter 2.2 — Tax Written Off Chapter 2.3 — Outstanding Taxes and PRSI Chapter 2.4 — DIRT Investigations Chapter 2.5 — Understatement of DIRT Liability Chapter 2.6 — Special Investigations 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. Frank Daly (Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners), Mr. Paddy Molloy (Principal Officer, Statistics, Office of the Revenue Commissioners), Mr. Dave Hurley (Principal Officer, Department of Finance), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 1.45 p.m, until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 23 October 2003. Déardaoin 23 Deireadh Fómhair 2003Thursday 23 October 20031. The Committee met at 11.15 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, Seán Fleming, Joe Higgins, John McGuinness, Batt O’Keeffe, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts 2002. The following Chapter was disposed of:- Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources: Chapter 8.1 — Forest Service — Development of IT Systems. 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. Brendan Tuohy (Secretary General, Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources) Mr. John Thompson (Principal Officer, Vote Control, Department of Finance), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 1.45 p.m, until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 6 November 2003. Déardaoin 6 Samhain 2003Thursday 6 November 20031. The Committee met at 11.10 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Sean Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, Seán Fleming, Joe Higgins, John McGuinness, Michael Noonan, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts 2002. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts for the year 2002. The following Account was adjourned:- Vote 31 - Department of Agriculture and Food The following Chapter was adjourned:- Department of Agriculture and Food: Chapter 9.1 — Exhibition and Show Centre at Punchestown 5. Witnesses Examined Mr. John Malone (Secretary General, Department of Agriculture and Food) Mr. Robert Carey (Principal Officer, Vote Control, Department of Finance), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 3.00 p.m, until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 13 November 2003. Déardaoin 13 Samhain 2003Thursday 13 November 20031. The Committee met at 11.10 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Sean Ardagh (In the Chair for part of the meeting), Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, Seán Fleming, Joe Higgins, John McGuinness, Michael Noonan, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts 2002. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts for the year 2002. The following Account was disposed of:- Vote 34 - Enterprise, Trade and Employment The following Chapter was disposed of. Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Chapter 11.1 — Administrative Oversight at Companies Registration Office 5. Sitting suspended at 11.15 a.m. and resumed at 11.27 a.m. 6. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. Paul Haran (Secretary General, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment) Mr. Ned Costello (Assistant Secretary, Science, Technology and Intellectual Property, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment) Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 7. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 2.15 p.m, until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 20 November 2003. Déardaoin 20 Samhain 2003Thursday 20 November 20031. The Committee met at 11.20 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, John McGuinness, Michael Noonan, Batt O’Keeffe. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts 2002. The following Chapters were disposed of. Department of Social and Family Affairs: Chapter 12.1 — Reckoning of Pre-1953 Contributions for the Old Age (Contributory) Pension Chapter 12.2 — Telecommunications System Fraud. 5. Sitting suspended at 11.21 a.m. and resumed at 11.37 a.m. 6. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. John Hynes (Secretary General, Department of Social & Family Affairs), Mr. Dermot Quigley (Principal Officer, Vote Control, Department of Finance), Mr. John Thompson (Principal Officer, Vote Control, Department of Finance), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 7. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 2.10 p.m, until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 27 November 2003. Déardaoin 27 Samhain 2003Thursday 27 November 20031. The Committee met at 11.30 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Sean Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, Joe Higgins, John McGuinness, Michael Noonan, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts 2002. The following Chapter was disposed of. Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources: Chapter 8.2 — International Telecommunications Connectivity. 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. Brendan Tuohy (Secretary General, Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 2.40 p.m, until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 4 December 2003. Déardaoin 4 Nollaig 2003Thursday 4 December 20031. The Committee met at 11.15 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Sean Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, John McGuinness, Michael Noonan, Batt O’Keeffe. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts 2002. The following Chapter was adjourned. Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform: Chapter 4.1 — Provision of Accommodation for Asylum Seekers. 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. Tim Dalton (Secretary General, Department Justice, Equality and Law Reform), Mr. Noel Waters (Director of the Reception and Integration Agency, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform), Mr. Sean Benton (Chairman, Office of Public Works), Mr. David Byers (Commissioner, Office of Public Works) Mr. Brendan Ingoldsby (Principal Officer, Disability Services, Department of Health and Children), Mr. Jim O’Farrell (Principal Officer, Vote Control, Department of Finance), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 2.30 p.m, until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 11 December 2003. Déardaoin 11 Nollaig 2003Thursday 11 December 20031. The Committee met at 11.15 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Sean Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, John Dennehy, Seán Fleming, Joe Higgins, John McGuinness, Michael Noonan, Batt O’Keeffe, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts 2002. The following Chapters were adjourned. Office of the Revenue Commissioners: Chapter 2.1 — Revenue Account (resumed) Chapter 2.2 — Tax Written Off (resumed) Chapter 2.3 — Outstanding Taxes and PRSI (resumed) Chapter 2.4 — DIRT Investigations (resumed) Chapter 2.5 — Understatement of DIRT Liability (resumed) Chapter 2.6 — Special Investigations (resumed) Chapter 2.8 — Prosecution of Non-filers of Income Tax Returns Chapter 2.9 — Random Audit 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. Frank Daly (Chairman, Office of the Revenue Commissioners), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 2.15 p.m, until 11.00 a.m. on Tuesday 16 December 2003. Dé Máirt 16 Nollaig 2003Tuesday 16 December 20031. The Committee met at 10.45 a.m. 2. Members Present:- John Perry (in the Chair), Sean Ardagh, Dan Boyle, Paul Connaughton, John Curran, Joe Higgins, John McGuinness, Michael Noonan, Batt O’Keeffe, Pat Rabbitte. 3. The Committee went into private session. The Committee deliberated. The Committee went into public session. 4. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts 2002. Consideration of Appropriation Accounts for the year 2002. The following Account was disposed of:- Vote 31 - Department of Agriculture and Food (resumed) The following Chapter was disposed of. Department of Agriculture and Food: Chapter 9.1 — Exhibition and Show Centre at Punchestown (resumed) Consideration of Annual Financial Statements The Committee deliberated and disposed of the following Statement:- Horse Racing Ireland — Financial Statements 2002 5. Witnesses Examined:- Mr. John Malone (Secretary General, Department of Agriculture and Food), Mr. Brian Kavanagh (Chief Executive, Horse Racing Ireland), Mr. Robert Carey (Principal Officer, Department of Finance), Mr. John Purcell (Comptroller and Auditor General). 6. Adjournment. The Committee adjourned at 2.25 p.m, until 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 15 January 2004. |
||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
