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

I do not wish to burden the committee with too much but what Deputy Connaughton has raised is true in that the case in question must be borne in mind. I have been continually raising the issue of the special investigation unit in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the fallout and cost to the State in relation to its work. It is difficult to get explanations about the cost because, in spite of the fact that cases have been lost and people have been threatened, or allegedly threatened, there is a serious cost to the State. When one proceeds to investigate with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, one is referred to the Chief State Solicitor’s Office. There is evidence in relation to all of these cases coming forward directly to the members of the Committee of Public Accounts. I want to put members on notice that this information will be arriving to them in the future. However, we will see what transpires from our contact with Annette De Vere Hunt.

Since there are no other matters arising, we can move on to the business of today. We have agreed to hear from NAMA next week.