I raise a specific issue here today on the oversight of the various boards that are responsible for managing the spending of public money. We all know about the waste of public money that is making the headlines. Many are expressing outrage, but we are not hearing many solutions. We need to come up with changes and I offer one here today.

I have reviewed many State boards and I am struck by the lack of people on these boards who have accountancy, cost control or audit qualifications and experience. Is it any wonder then that we have poor oversight in terms of expenditure? I propose to the Taoiseach that all State-funded boards include at least one member with these qualifications and experience. This would be one small step in reducing the amount of uncontrolled spending we read about every other week.

That is a very good idea also. The methodology for the appointment of State boards changed some years ago; there is a greater reliance on the PAS system and I am not sure that has been ideal either. We need to look more broadly at experiences and expertise that would add a certain competence or discipline to a board, such as cost control or accountancy.

There was an article written this morning, which I read and it was quite correct, that said we in the political sphere have an instinct for more spending on everything. It is spending in advance and there is remorse afterwards if it is not spent properly.

It breeds inefficiencies.

You have it right throughout every debate. There is not enough examination of how the existing resources are properly spent or allocated. I agree with the Deputy's broader point.