John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Would Mr. Ó Foghlú have had many negative findings from the reports or audits reported to him over the years that would have raised alarm bells as to how the whole sector was being managed and staffed?

Deputy O'Donnell raised the issue of one particular VEC and the letter that the Department was discussing with him. However, other issues arose — in regard to Wexford VEC, for example — related to legal fees and other matters associated with issues raised at VEC meetings. I have looked at a number of the figures involved and must say I was shocked by the amount of money being paid out in legal fees and in dealing with these internal issues. I would have believed that the audit committee or internal audit process would have identified this and that the issues and figures would have been reported to whoever is responsible for the sector in the Department.