Mr. Brian Purcell:

Could I make something clear? I was going to say "with the greatest respect" but I do not like using that phrase. I am concerned that if someone asks why I cannot tell the truth, there is almost an implication that I am not telling the truth or am lying. I do not think the Deputy is doing this. I want to make it crystal clear to anybody who is listening or who reads the reports of this that this is most certainly not the case. I find myself in a very unusual position. The Deputy asked a question. I am not aware of any other Secretary General who has found themselves in this position. I am trying to be of as much assistance as possible. I do not want to be accused of running down the clock. I have said that I will come forward to this committee or anyone else at the appropriate time to discuss this but I do not agree that I am obstructing the committee. I find myself in a situation where-----