Today is a historic day in that it is our Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. John Buckley's last day with us. He has worked for 45 years in the Civil Service and most if not all of that time was spent in the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General. He joined the Comptroller and Auditor General's office in February 1967 and since then has worked in all sections of the office. I am sure that during his career he has touched on all State Departments and agencies, and knows all their secrets.
In 2003, following a review of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Buckley was appointed to the new value-for-money division. That brought a great impetus to the work of this committee. It delivered real accountability and provided a focus on certain areas where necessary. As I know from my term from 2002 to 2007, the reports were hugely important and still are. They are growing in importance because of the nature and extent of this committee's work.
Mr. Buckley's greatest contribution was perhaps the heavy lifting he did in the course of the DIRT inquiry, which gathered together €2.6 billion for the State in terms of the general recovery that was made from that process. With his help, the inquiry earned a reputation for this committee to which people still refer. We have probably been living on the strength of it since then, so we will have to find something new to revisit. Perhaps the OPW might assist us.
In 2008, Mr. Buckley was appointed Comptroller and Auditor General and has worked tirelessly with the committee since then. In those years, the significant inquiries concerned FÁS and bank stabilisation. Many other issues that now confront our economy crossed Mr. Buckley's desk. Needless to say, his reports have been hugely important but they have also given members of this committee a great insight into how the Civil Service and public service function. For all our disagreements and commentary, we all have a job to do. It is made easier by virtue of his reports which give us a greater understanding of what is involved.
Mr. Buckley is a barrister and has a master's degree in public service management. He is also a keen gardener. This is according to a note from our committee clerk.