Mr. Robert Watt:

The circular and the code of practice are very clear. There is no contradiction between the two. They are complementary. I addressed this issue in my submission and I addressed it this morning at the Committee of Public Accounts. I am 100% sure that Mr. Quinn discharged his duties and acted appropriately. He has done a brilliant job for the State over the last six years as head of the procurement office. He has established an office and driven very significant reform. In light of his previous role as Chairman of the Committee of Public Accounts, the Chairman will be aware of the significant problems we have had - and still have although they are not as great as they were - in respect of unprofessional procurement practices in how we do our business. Mr. Quinn has been very much engaged in the professionalisation of that function. He has done an excellent job. I am happy that he discharged his functions in respect of this matter. I have no problem with him. I will not get into an argument about the ins and outs of all this. I do not believe it is appropriate that officials are named as they have been. They are now named in the Dáil Chamber. That should not happen but it now happens repeatedly without any sanction and without anybody saying that they are not happy about remarks being made about civil servants when they cannot defend themselves. I am not happy about that. I made a decision about Mr. Quinn's attendance today. He discharged his functions in the circumstances. I have no problem whatsoever with that.