asked the Minister for Labour if he will report on the alleged causes of misuse of funds within the Manpower service.

I assume the Deputy is referring to publicity which followed the recent examination of the Accounting Officer of the Department of Labour by the Public Accounts Committee on the Appropriation Accounts for 1982 and 1983. In the case of alleged misuse of funds within the Manpower Service referred to in the examination, an officer of the Department has been charged in the courts. The matter is, therefore, sub judice and it would be inappropriate for me to comment.

I regret recent publicity from which it might be inferred that there is widespread misuse of funds within the Manpower Service. I am satisfied that this is not the case.

I want to agree with the Minister.

It is sub judice.

I am talking about it generally. There were certain allegations made that it would be quite easy to misuse the present system. From my experience, it is practically impossible.