Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Dr. Thorn might wonder why I am pursuing this line of questioning. I will state it very directly. If there is anything in Dr. Thorn's professional dealings that compromises his willingness or ability to look at all these matters dispassionately and thoroughly, then we have a problem. It would be a problem in any scenario but it is a much bigger problem because the nub of the accusation against the university and its processes is one of whitewash, but Dr. Thorn has told me that is not the case and I take him at his word in that. I ask because the questions had to be asked rather than to cast an aspersion on his character. I want Dr. Thorn to understand that.

If Dr. Thorn recalls, I quoted from an article in the Limerick Leader earlier regarding the whistleblowers and the length of their suspension. The Chairman is quoted in it and so too is Dr. Thorn, where he says that he will not be seeking to speak to Professor Don Barry, the previous president of the University of Limerick.