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

This case has been discussed with the Taoiseach and Deputy Coveney. They have given due consideration to the manner in which this matter should be dealt with, and they have given much comfort to the family in assuring them that the matter would be dealt with. It is statute-barred, and this is an unprecedented case from the point of view of understanding, concern and respect for the family concerned. There was a similar situation involving civil servants within the Department when a tragic incident occurred and the family concerned was unaware of the Lost at Sea scheme and the quota restriction. The fact that the Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly, ruled in favour means that the Department should pay. It is the first time ever that a ruling from the Office of the Ombudsman has stated categorically that the Government should act, but it has not acted on this, and I am quite amazed by that. We have a letter from the Attorney General's office, which I can circulate to the secretariat, stating that it has no difficulty whatever with any action, so only the goodwill of the Minister is needed. It is not a huge amount of money; it is just the principle involved. If the committee could agree to this I would appreciate it very much, because I know the family concerned. The case has been going on for 30 years but has been in the public domain and the political domain for only ten years, and several Secretaries General have been here, including when I was Chairman, and they have all obfuscated in every sense.