John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The point made by Senator Higgins and Deputy Farrell is that they are looking for information that was sought on an ongoing basis by the clerk to the committee. We look forward to receiving that. The committee has looked for specific and detailed information around the Secretary General's pay. The responses have, in my opinion, been weak. It is the first time that I have seen such a response. They are usually anxious to give information but it is quite clear from the content of the responses made so far that the information being asked for by the committee is simply being overlooked and not dealt with. I look forward to the co-operation of the senior civil servants, the Taoiseach and the senior politicians when we undertake the investigation, which is proceeding. While we are dealing with the Estimates today, I just want to make that point to the Taoiseach. If we do not conclude the Estimates today, members know that we can come back and go through it on another day. We will be sending a separate invitation regarding the investigation into the decision that was reached on the €82,000 increase. I encourage the Taoiseach to get all those involved to review their responses and perhaps come back to us again.