Mr. Michael Cullen:

Deputy Mitchell O'Connor asked why it took "Prime Time" to report on this, what the auditors did, and whether we had a look back. As I said earlier, we were both shocked and disappointed. It is an obvious question, but I believe that our policy procedures are robust. However, as with any relationship between a member of staff and a supplying company, there is an element of trust, and that trust is open to abuse at times. Although these are merely allegations, it suggests that this trust may have been misplaced. I am hoping that our investigations will prove that one way or the other, as I hope the Garda investigation does. It has taken a whistleblower to bring this to everyone's attention, as Deputy Troy said. We are grateful both to the whistleblower and RTE for the fact that this has been exposed and brought to our attention. I think that answers Deputy Mitchell O'Connor's questions.