Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms O'Reilly and Mr. Butler for attending. There is a certain inevitability about the matter. Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh referred to kicking it to touch, but a ball kicked to touch is inevitably returned to play. The game does not finish. This issue will have to be dealt with and it may be unpalatable, but that does not mean it is not right. It will have to be dealt with and it will be expensive.

On redress, the committee's role constitutionally is limited owing to the decision in the referendum. We can only highlight the matter and bring it to the Minister's attention. I would certainly like to bring the Minister or the Secretary General and other officials of the Department before the committee. The legality or otherwise of the matter will ultimately be decided in the courts. Has the Office of the Ombudsman considered taking the legal route?