John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not necessarily have any questions. I have been here for hours listening to this and I suppose I had a pretty open mind before I arrived here at 10 a.m. Over the past few weeks, there have been a number of differences of opinion between committee members as to how to deal with Rehab, including the timing of the meetings, who should come in, etc. The private session has got pretty heavy. I have to say that after listening to the interaction between Ms Kerins and various members of the committee, I have come to the conclusion that she has made a big song and dance about this and it is unnecessary. She has been evasive and I do not think any of this has been necessary at all. As €82 million of public money goes into Rehab, she should have been far more forthcoming, even before today. This evasion and this subjective opinion with regard to what she should and what she cannot say is ridiculous. I really think Ms Kerins needs to get a grip on herself, because this event today is completely unnecessary.

Rehab is a charitable organisation, with charitable status. Some of us on this committee have tried to make sure the charitable sector is not further damaged as time goes on, and it has been damaged over the last few months because of the CRC, etc. Now we are in a situation where Ms Kerins is being forced to give information when it comes to Ms Keane. RehabCare is 98% funded by the HSE. Mr. Tony O'Brien has had to say that if the clerk to the committee asks for this information, the committee will be given it. It is unnecessary. That did not need to happen and that should have been thought about before Ms Kerins arrived in here today. It had to be dragged out of her. The manner in which her solicitors contacted this committee yesterday was incredible - informing us as to what our remit is. It was completely unnecessary. All this has done is to prolong this for another couple of days, maybe another week. Ms Kerins and her executives in Rehab should have a long hard think and whatever information, within reason, this committee wants and expects and that the HSE expects - I know a process is ongoing - should just be given, because she is doing more damage than good to the entire charitable sector as this goes on.