Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Finally, we dealt with the issue of conflicts of interest earlier in the context of a discussion on NAMA, which is why the witnesses were delayed, for which we apologise. I have said repeatedly that inquiries would be unnecessary if institutions were open and accountable. The witnesses are nodding in agreement. We have the Comptroller and Auditor General and this committee to keep track of matters. Are the witnesses satisfied there are no conflicts of interest on the campus with regard to companies? Has anything come to their attention? In court terms, this would be called a fishing exercise but I am not intending to fish. I am just asking for accountability. Has anything come to their attention like what happened in Waterford and other third level institutions? Are there conflicts of interest that have been brought to their attention or matters that are under investigation?