I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 31, 39, 45 and 48 together.
As I have stated already earlier in reply to priority questions number 1 and 2, it is my intention to fully implement the recommendations contained in the Dalton Report on Certain Matters Affecting Bord na gCon. I intend to proceed immediately to appoint a new Chairman, following which appropriate arrangements will be put in place by the Board for the early selection of a Chief Executive Officer.
Internal staff matters and the day to day business of the organisation are the direct responsibility of Bord na gCon as the statutory body responsible for the industry. However, arising from the recommendations in the Dalton Report, new standards and procedures in relation to corporate governance and internal management systems will now be enforced within the organisation.
The PricewaterhouseCooper Report referred to was commissioned by the Board and was not received by my Department. During the course of Mr Dalton's investigation a number of matters outside the scope of his investigation were drawn to Mr. Dalton's attention on the basis that they might merit investigation by the Comptroller and Auditor General. Mr. Dalton submitted these documents to my Department. Following consideration, these documents were referred to the Comptroller and Auditor General who has recently informed my Department that in order to try to establish the factual position in relation to the issues having a significant financial dimension, he has concluded that an examination by his office is warranted. However, he indicated that he would await the publication of the Dalton Report before finalising the scope of his examination. Copies of Mr Dalton's report have been provided to the Comptroller and Auditor General.
