Vol. 512 No. 6
31 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Finance the steps, if any, he will take to implement the commitment given in the review of An Action Programme for the Millennium to introduce a mandatory external audit of the party leaders' allowance which will be submitted to the Public Office Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26897/99]
I am taking a number of steps to implement the Government's commitment to provide for the mandatory external audit of the accounts of the party leaders' allowance. First, I am considering the various existing arrangements and the accounting and auditing aspects of the matter. In this regard my Department has prepared a draft discussion paper on these key issues which also addresses some options for implementation. Second, I am considering the procedural and legal issues for implementing the proposal and, in particular, whether it will be necessary to introduce legislation or if appropriate arrangements can be made administratively.
Having completed these deliberations, I will then consult with the recipients of the allowance in Dáil Éireann on the matter. I intend to bring specific recommendations to Government early in the new year with a view to having a mandatory audit in place in respect of the relevant accounts for the year 2000.
I am sure the Minister agrees that recent revelations at the tribunals have made it imperative that we introduce accountable mechanisms for dealing with the party leaders' allowance. Does he agree it will be necessary to make public the results of such an external audit? Do I understand that the Minister does not intend to include any provision covering this matter in the corruption Bill which the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform intends to introduce in the near future?
As already stated, my Department has prepared a draft discussion paper which arose from the commitment given in the revised programme for Government, which was published last month. Following my consideration of these matters, I intend to have discussions with the party leaders. I do not want to be seen to impose a system which would not have their support. Various ideas are being put forward regarding how this matter could be dealt with and I intend to consider each of them. I hope to obtain agreement from all sides of the House in respect of the proposals I eventually bring forward. That is the fairest way to proceed because I do not want to impose a system which would not have the support of the party leaders. I do not want the new system to be either too restrictive or too liberal.
When will the Minister be in a position to consult the party leaders?
As Deputy Noonan is aware , the revised programme for Government was only published on 1 November. In the interim, my Department has investigated this matter and produced a discussion paper which I have yet to consider. I hope to bring a report to the Government early in the new year and I then intend to discuss the matter with the party leaders. In any event, everything will be in place in good time for the appearance of the accounts for the year 2000.
