Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to be clear in what I say. There is an obligation on any organisation that receives State funding to make itself available, without any aspersions being cast, for any type of review that might be necessary so that we are clear on governance structures. Officials from the Department engaged on an ongoing basis with the NPCPP. It was offered every opportunity to engage in this review process. At no point over more than six months was that forthcoming. It was not possible to continue to provide the financial supports if the organisation was not in a position to co-operate with a necessary review that happens in various organisations at various times. This review was not in any way impinging on the reputation of the organisation. The Department is obliged to have a governance eye over what is happening. As a consequence of the non-engagement with the officials and the Department, it was not possible for the funding to move forward.