David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is very difficult for us because we are trying to understand why no oversight and proper mechanisms were in place, but if we ask critical questions the Secretary General will state the Department is in the process of making changes. Obviously we welcome these changes, but it is very difficult to accept anything other than an absolute failure on behalf of the Department to ensure there were any sufficient levels of checks and balances in place. It is quite extraordinary when we look at the range of criticisms, from the small number of people involved, the range of money they received, the volume of money they received, the problems relating to legal costs and the lack of appropriate tendering processes. With respect, Dr. Lynch would have to accept this was a massive monumental failure on behalf of the Department.