Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before this meeting concludes, a communication will be sent to the HSE seeking a response regarding the narrative in respect of the freedom of information request. We will also want to have sight of the original freedom of information request that was made and correspondence setting out the reason for refusing or not granting the request in full. Second, we need an update on the procurement issue. Third, I omitted to state that there was confusion at our previous meeting with regard to several individuals, namely, H3, H6 and H7, and we will ask Mr. O'Brien to clarify the matter. This communication will issue today. While all these matters may not be clarified by tomorrow morning, I expect to receive some information by the time we meet.

The reason I am raising this matter is to protect the integrity of the Committee of Public Accounts. As Chairman, I will not tolerate witnesses giving information to the committee if it subsequently comes to light that what we were told was not a true and fair view of what occurred. We will not walk away in such circumstances. Every Accounting Officer and witness should know that if the committee finds, as a result of information received, that his or her evidence does not stand up, he or she will brought back in person to answer to the committee. We will not have people giving evidence in the belief that the matter will be closed as soon as they leave a meeting. Matters are not closed until we are finished with them. I will insist on upholding the integrity of the committee, which is a matter on which all members will agree. We must be given the full story.