Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Okay. I would appreciate it if Mr. Breen would do that because this is an issue that is on my desk constantly. I know more than a couple of the people involved. This is a stand-out situation and I think some of these things are going to be quite unusual in terms of workplace issues. This was my main point.

To pick up on a point made by Deputy Hourigan and others, any time I have ever asked about claims for something by way of parliamentary questions, the response has always stated that these go through the SCA. That is, they go through the SCA until they do not. I am at a loss to understand why there would be a particular strategy in a Department regarding claims that would not involve the SCA. We also hear about non-disclosure agreements and the point that Deputy McAuliffe pursued with the witnesses earlier. I refer to things not within the purview of the SCA. Is it unusual for the State to pursue claims without going through the SCA? Is this an option for various Departments or State agencies?