Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

It is a David versus Goliath affair, when we consider that the Limerick Leaderis a relatively small title and compare the resources available to UL. I am glad to hear the witness say that he would not have taken that approach, and that is certainly something that should be reviewed or included in the future. The issues should be dealt with rather than the messenger.

On the last occasion that the witness was before the committee we spoke about the IMI. The Committee of Public Accounts sits in public and what is said here is on the record. Language is very important. The impression was given that, "we took something over at no cost". It is really important when witnesses come in here that that kind of thing is qualified upfront and that the members do not have to piece it together later. It gives the impression that something is being handed over for nothing, when in fact there was a very significant liability here in terms of pension costs. That undermines the credibility of what is said here, and we have to go back subsequently and piece things together. Would the witness accept that he should have approached this matter differently on the last occasion?