Are the minutes of the meeting of 20 October 2011 agreed? Agreed. On matters arising from the minutes, following the discussion we had with Deputy Ross, I propose that we arrange a session with the Irish Pensions Board and the Pensions Ombudsman of Ireland. Is that agreed? Agreed. The clerk to the committee will organise that.
Last week we heard the legal advice regarding the new inquiry Bill. I propose to write to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform requesting amendments to the Bill which will protect our current powers and recognise the status of this committee. We will await the outcome of the referendum before issuing the letter. Is that agreed? Agreed.
On correspondence received since the meeting of Thursday, 20 October 2011, Item 3.1 is correspondence dated 19 October 2011 from Mr. Brendan McDonagh, chief executive officer of the National Asset Management Agency, NAMA, providing updated information on matters scheduled for examination at this meeting, as previously requested by the committee. This is to be noted and agreed.
Item 3.2 is correspondence dated 12 October 2011 from Mr. Ted Cunningham, Limerick Prison, alleging corruption, conspiracy, perjury and illegal activities of public servants in obtaining a conviction against the correspondent. This is to be noted. The possible use of the new inquiry powers of Oireachtas committees in relation to this issue would fall in the first instance to be considered by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. It is not a matter for the Committee of Public Accounts given that it alleges the misuse of Garda power. We will send it to the justice committee for its consideration.
Item 3.3 is correspondence dated 20 October 2011 from Ms Geraldine Tallon, Secretary General of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, re the proposed waste to energy facility at Poolbeg, Dublin. This is to be noted and published and a copy of the correspondence is to be forwarded to the original complainant, Mr. Brendan Keane, Irish Waste Management Association.
Item 3.4 is correspondence dated 20 October 2011 from Mr. Tony McDonnell and Mr. John Kidd, Irish Fire & Emergency Services Association re Dublin Fire Brigade ambulances. This is to be noted and the correspondence to be forwarded to the HSE for an update on the provision of ambulance services by the HSE and Dublin Fire Brigade in the Dublin region. The matter also refers to the Comptroller and Auditor General as his office has raised concerns in the 2008 report. This matter was dealt with by the previous committee and the Dublin Fire Service is anxious that the issues be revisited, particularly in regard to the information it has. It is proposed to take that matter at an early date.
Item 3.5 is correspondence dated 24 October 2011 from Mr. Jag Singh, NAMA Wine Lake Website re committee hearing on 26 October 2011 with NAMA to be noted and published. Members will have an opportunity to raise issues relating to this correspondence with the chief executive today. Item 3.6 is correspondence dated 25 October 2011 from Mr. Brendan McDonagh, chief executive of NAMA regarding his opening statement, to be noted and published.
Item 4 is a list of reports, statements and accounts received since our meeting of 20 October 2011. 4.1 is the National Cancer Registry annual report and accounts for year ending 31 December 2010. 4.2 is the Residential Institutions Redress Board annual report 2010 - both of which are to be noted.
Item 5 is the work programme. We will amend the work programme to cater for the pensions issue which was raised by Deputy Shane Ross. That has been agreed.
Item 6 is any other business. If Members have any other matters they wish to raise, I will take them now. We will not have a meeting next week as the Dáil is not sitting. Is there any issue that any Member wants to raise? In the absence of that, can we agree the agenda for 10 November 2011- 2010 Annual Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General and Appropriation Accounts: Vote 35: Tourism, Culture and Sport, Chapter 30 - Sports Capital Programme; and Chapter 31 - National Sports Campus.