David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On the issue of Console, every single finding in the internal audit report that we examined carried a red flag and it was noted that there were systemic problems. There were issues the Chairman cited in terms of how long it had taken to arrive at the point where an internal audit was conducted. There was an example this week where the Cabinet signed off on an ex gratiapayment to a group of people for the right reasons in respect of pensions. There is a precedent that these things can be done. We should not always accept that things cannot be done legally. There are ways and mechanisms by which Departments can make ex gratiapayments if they consider there is justification and we can make a case. In this instance, given the tardiness, for want of a better word, of the HSE's approach to this issue and Console over a long time, the HSE has a duty and a responsibility. That is one avenue. At best, there should be some ex gratiapayment.