I join in the conveying of sympathies to the family of Adrian Donohoe. I also convey my sympathies to our colleague, Senator Henry, on the death of her mother and to the family of Éamon de Buitléar. Adrian Donohoe was not just a member of the Garda. He also gave local leadership in his area and to the people with whom he lived. This is not just a loss to the Garda or a huge loss to his family, but to the local community.

I wish to raise a concern. Yesterday, I received a telephone call from someone who was providing a service to the State. The person furnished an account to the State for work done and a Department signed off on payment last June, but that person has still not received payment despite being required to pay tax. As the person is unable to receive a tax clearance certificate, they cannot qualify for further State work.

It is outrageous and deplorable that a Department is not paying within the required 30 days.

This is more appropriate to an Adjournment matter debate.

It is important as there is currently a problem with cashflow, particularly with self-employed people. The State now appears to be contributing to the problem, and it is outrageous that the person I described must pay interest on income tax but the State will not pay interest on the money owed. It would be appropriate for the matter to be taken up with all the Departments and where money is owed, it should be paid within 30 days as required. I ask that the issue be clarified immediately and dealt with.