Thank you, Madam Speaker. We are all acquainted with section 42 of the Constitution, relating, inter alia, to the oversight function of the executive action. The crucial element of this oversight role is the consideration of departmental budgets. We have, as the Minister of Finance has repeatedly pointed out, been provided with a very effective tool in terms of the Public Finance Management Act. The important role played by Scopa, as well as Parliament's oversight committee cannot be overemphasized in this regard.
However, the ACDP believes that we, in our portfolio committees, should be monitoring the financial affairs and internal audit processes of our departments and other institutions throughout the year, and not only during the budget process. The ACDP believes that we must be fully conversant with departmental expenditure, and not be surprised by adverse AG reports, such as the AG's disclaimer recently issued to Home Affairs. In this case there was a glaring inadequacy regarding financial controls and internal auditing.
We, as the portfolio committee, were forced to consider lengthy financial reports, days before the Budget Vote. We should never again be caught by surprise regarding the Auditor General's reports. We trust that we will be given the sufficient capacity as Members of Parliament to engage in this process. The ACDP will support this Budget Vote.