Mr. Joseph Nugent:

I can answer that question. I have met with the directors of the company involved. It is fair to say they were not aware. I am not excusing it. I am saying they were not aware of their obligations. The committee will see that as part of the recommendations we have agreed to work with those involved in respect of providing advice in that area.

Across my time in the public service I have certainly seen circumstances where individuals have become directors as a result of taking positions in an organisation. In this case, that would appear to have led people to believe certain things about how they should fulfil their requirements. Clearly, it is not correct. I have spoken to the directors about their responsibilities in that regard.