Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

At that time he would have had 37 years' experience but he was appointed in 2004, when he would not have had that amount of experience. The description contained in that document, which I read carefully today, includes everything that he was involved in and undertook as contract manager. It does not refer to any experience before his appointment as contract manager. I am just saying that this was a legitimate line of questioning and a legitimate point.

A Secretary General from any Department or any agency meeting the clerk to the committee or the Chairman in order to pre-empt, design or influence the manner or content of anything that goes on in this room would be wholly inappropriate. I am glad that we will not be doing that because I would have a problem with it.

Reference was made to the Secretary General's letter indicating or suggesting that he might not want to come in again.

He has no choice.