Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Jul 1949

Vol. 117 No. 1

Committee of Public Accounts—Motion.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Taoiseach (Mr. Cosgrave)

I move:—

That, in pursuance of Standing Order No. 112, the Committee of Public Accounts be appointed; that notwithstanding anything contained in the said Standing Order, the Committee consist of 14 members, and the quorum be five; and that the members of the Committee be nominated by the Committee of Selection;

That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records;

That the Appropriation Accounts, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General for the year ended 31st March, 1948, be referred to the Committee for examination and report.

Captain Cowan

May I inquire if the report of the Committee appointed last year is available yet? I understand that they have completed their examination of the accounts months ago.

Mr. Cosgrave

I understand it is not available yet. The examination is completed but the chairman's report is not available.

Captain Cowan

May I ask if there is any likelihood that the report will be available in a reasonable time or if there is any explanation for the delay?

Mr. Lemass

I submit that this is out of order at the moment and should not be raised without notice, in ordinary courtesy.

An Ceann Comhairle

When you are setting up a committee I think it is not disorderly to ask is the report ready.

Mr. Lemass

Some notice should be given.

An Ceann Comhairle

There should not be a debate on it.

Captain Cowan

I am asking a question.

Mr. Briscoe

There have been many precedents, where a committee was in arrears of work, of a new committee continuing the work even before the previous report had been laid before the House. It is not unusual.

Motion agreed to.