John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I think that it is the advice that has been given to the Minister in regard to this case. We saw the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the Department and an account of the Department's discussion on legal fees. The family did not take the litigation route because of the cost of legal fees. The Department took legal advice, but this lady could not afford to take the risk of engaging a legal team. With due respect to the family, it would be different if they went down the legal route. They did not because they could not afford it. The family went through the European Union channels and the Office of the Ombudsman who clearly established their case.

I think it is a poor reflection on the role of the Office of the Ombudsman. I have no doubt that the Office of the Ombudsman has a legal team to advise it. I think the case would be statute barred now but morally, the right thing is to pay the money. The sum involved in not significant in any sense.