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

Deputy Connaughton just asked about the risk officer. Indecon understands that during its review Bord na gCon indicated that it was proposing to appoint a risk officer and said it should take place with immediate effect. It added that at all times a board should ensure that an experienced risk officer and an effective internal audit function are in place.

Mr. Meaney is giving his version of a risk officer which is fine, but this was a recommendation to appoint the risk officer that seemed to have been agreed. I am trying to establish detail here as to what we have learned from the past because the board gets €11 million a year. I am anxious to hear about Mr. Nealon’s time in office which we covered the last time the witnesses were here.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine was asked at some stage for permission to extend Mr. Nealon’s time as chief executive officer, CEO. What was the response to that?