Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I fully agree with the Chairman that it would be unfair of us to speculate, but not nearly as unfair as Rehab’s behaviour towards the taxpayers in recent days by refusing to tell us. The meeting is next week and there has been significant engagement and commentary by Rehab within the media. It is reasonable that it would provide finality by the end of the day in terms of who is and is not coming.

We were told by Mr. Flannery in correspondence with the committee that the reason he did not come on the previous occasion is that he was not formally invited. He received copious e-mails and he said in one e-mail that he would be willing to attend but he wanted to understand what he was coming in to talk about. I do not think he can be in any doubt about that now.

I understand Ms Kerins is working a period of notice so presumably she will still be the CEO of the Rehab Group next Thursday.

Rehab should provide finality as to whether it will attend, as well as who is coming, as quickly as possible. While I fully agree with the Chairman's suggestion, Rehab should bring finality to it.