asked the Taoiseach if the Government have considered further the question of bringing the accounts of State and semi-State bodies under review by a Committee of Dáil Éireann; and if he has reached any decision in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Accounts of State and Semi-State Bodies.
1.
Consideration of this question is still proceeding.
Can the Taoiseach say if there is any likelihood of this consideration reaching a conclusion in the near future?
I think so. The Deputy will remember that in 1964 I referred to a recommendation which had been made by the Committee of Public Accounts regarding the audited accounts of bodies which received subventions from public funds. This is the aspect we have been discussing and consideration of which is now moving closer to a conclusion.
I think it is generally appreciated that the Committee of Public Accounts has probably more than enough to do in dealing with the Appropriation Accounts. Has consideration been given to the possibility of establishing a separate Committee?
That is one of the matters under consideration.
Can the Taoiseach give any indication as to when he will be in a position to make a further announcement on this matter?
I think it will not be very long. It is not a matter on which I would like to tie myself down to a date because obviously many factors must be considered.
Will the Taoiseach give an undertaking that he will make the announcement to this House?
Obviously this will involve legislation.
Did the Taoiseach contemplate consideration of this matter raised in Deputy Cosgrave's question as one that would be connected with the changes he proposed in his speech recently or does he think it can be dealt with separately?
I will deal with that matter in connection with some questions tomorrow. While my statement envisaged a general review of arrangements, this should not prevent anything happening in the meantime. This particular aspect is being examined on the basis of the report submitted by the Committee of Public Accounts.
In any event, there is no question of any constitutional changes being involved in this matter?
No.