Mr. Brendan Gleeson:

The reality is - again, I am reluctant to say this, but it is a matter of fact - that what we are speaking about is a commercial State agency, the legislation around which is designed to allow it a certain amount of latitude and flexibility that does not apply to Departments. We have an accountability system that involves certain burdens on the board, the chairman and the chief executive, but it is audited independently by the Comptroller and Auditor General. We have a monitoring system which is very much based on reporting. We hold regular governance meetings, at least biannually, with Bord na gCon and also meet it to discuss specific issues. I am being asked to interpret events before the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine took over this body. I am not sure I can do that. I do not believe information was being wilfully withheld from us.