Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agaibh as teacht os comhair an choiste. I have to say this is probably one of the most detailed and well laid out opening statements that I have seen in a long time. It has been extremely helpful, gives a good background to the situation and sets out the points very well. I have a few questions, some of which are to provide me with a better understanding of the matter. According to page three of the opening statement, "It is the strongly held view of those impacted by non-payment of the awards that the Secretary General ... had no authority to adopt this course of action" and may have been acting outside their powers. I ask Mr. O'Brien to elaborate on that particular point.