Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Donohoe but we must bear in mind that the last time the DDDA appeared before the committee, it was somewhat farcical because it felt constrained in regard to the questions it could answer because of ongoing legal action. Now the DDDA will be back in but some of the key people who we want to answer questions have left it. We will have new people in who will answer every question beginning with: "I was not there at time, I have been told this or I have read these notes". This is yet another example of people being involved in major economic and financial decisions which blew up in the taxpayer's face walking off to other employment and never having to face public scrutiny. Can we seek some people who were involved to appear before us, even if they are no longer in the employment of the DDDA? I am sure Mr. Tierney will co-operate but having somebody appear before us who will tell us he was not around at the time will not get to the bottom of the issues to which we want answers.