Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman. I want to be measured. I have a great deal of sympathy for what he and Deputy Mick Barry are saying. As a principle, Mr. Hickey should come here. There is absolutely no doubt that he should be here to answer questions. While I understand the plea about not self-incriminating, I find it very difficult to reconcile it with going to the media and giving interviews. If he can do one, he should be able to come here. Prima facie, yes, it is absolutely right that he should be here and it would be very helpful to the committee if it were to happen. I do not want to speculate on what the chances would be of Mr. Hickey appearing if the committee or the judge wanted to have an inquiry into the contract which binds the OCI until 2026. I can see Deputy Imelda Munster coming back to me and asking if I knew that he would not come. There is always a danger that that argument will be made, but, prima facie, I think we are all on the same side.