Mr. Aidan O'Driscoll:

We do that in cases where there is clear demonstration of a need for it. We do not do it in all cases. We also have to show a degree of form with the EU and the Commission. Usually what we are recovering are EU moneys. We have to show we are doing that properly. One of the areas for which we have been most criticised by the certifying body and auditors who act for the EU here is what they call the recovery of debts. This is the kind of thing where they would regard that as a debt owing to the EU. We have to be careful here. Although the Deputy is right that we try to be reasonable whenever we can be, we also have to show clearly that we are making every effort to recover these funds. Frankly, we would be in big trouble if we did not show that.