David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This is quite unusual and I normally would not do this. Given what has been reported, however, this needs to be aired here. A journalist tweeted that he overheard Mr. Watt, following a conversation with the Chair outside of this room, state that the Chair should control the mob, that mob being the Members of this committee. I think that is outrageous, if that is the case. I am stating that is what has been reported. It feeds into what was said earlier about there being serious push-back by senior representatives. If that was said, it is completely unacceptable. That occurred before the Accounting Officer had even come before this committee and he is appearing on foot of reasonable and genuine criticisms put forward by members of this committee. I stress that is what has been reported. We will put it to Mr. Watt when he comes in that he has referred to members of this committee as "a mob".