Laois Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), has said that “late notice no shows by bodies called before The Public Accounts Committee must not be tolerated further.’’
This follows the postponement of the hearing with the University of Limerick, who were due to come before the committee to answer questions on the “massive overspending” on houses for student accommodation at Rhebogue, Limerick.
The Higher Education Authority also commenced a preliminary examination into the University of Limerick acquisition of the Rhebogue properties in January 2024.
“All of the bodies, be they Government departments, semi-state companies or Universities are given more than adequate notice of when they are to appear,” Deputy Stanley said.
“An accountable person must come before the committee, ready and prepared to answer all questions. If an accountable person is ill and sends notice they cannot attend, that can be accepted.
“What will not be accepted is these bodies not appointing another accountable person who can come before the committee with all the information required to answer questions.
“There are constitutions, protocols and procedures to be adhered to in all these bodies. No one person has all of the information available to them alone.”
Deputy Stanley said UL is “fully accountable” to PAC as it is a public body, publicly funded, audited by the Comptroller and the Auditor General.
“The Public Accounts Committee has the power to compel people to appear,” The Sinn Féin Deputy said.
“I will be advocating that the committee utilise those powers with the University of Limerick or any other body, if they believe they can kick the can down the road forever.”
Meanwhile, Independent TD for Laois/Offaly, Carol Nolan, has also addressed student accommodation after legislation to deal with the issue was approved by Cabinet.
“There is an urgent need to immediately implement proposals to prevent providers of student accommodation from applying 51-week contracts to the majority of third level students,” Deputy Nolan said.
“I know from the parents who have contacted me that they are angry and upset at the thought of essentially being forced into paying for 51-week accommodation contracts when their adult children may in fact need to live at home during the summer for work and only need the typical 41-week contract.
“This is ample opportunity here for exploitation during what is already a capacity crisis in the sector.”
