I welcome the fact that we are setting up this committee as a matter of urgency with a specific purpose, to investigate Údarás na Gaeltachta. In view of the recent controversy, I wonder if the wording is strong enough —"...make recommendations for the better functioning of Údarás na Gaeltachta". The setting up of this committee to deal with the problem of Údarás was agreed but I wonder if in spite of their restricted terms of reference further action will be taken if necessary. Does the Leader of the House envisage that the terms of reference are strong enough in view of the widespread controversy about Údarás na Gaeltachta?
We want to make sure the proper machinery is set up to look at all the accusations that have been made against this body. I support Údarás, all they stand for and all they have tried to do, but unfortunately so many things happened outside their terms of reference that worried us that I am extremely concerned that the terms of reference of this committee will be too restricted and that they would not have the power to make other recommendations. For instance, if they found something that would necessitate referring the matter to the fraud squad would they have the power to do so? I want confirmation that that is included in the terms of reference.
