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

After this issue was raised again last week, we informed the Department that we expected a response by today, or we would otherwise hear directly from it at next week's meeting. As of this morning, we have not received a response. However, I am told the Secretary General was away and that we should receive a response today. If that is not forthcoming before the close of business, which is 1 p.m., we will have to decide whether to call representatives of the Department before us next Thursday.