Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I watched "Prime Time" on Thursday night and then I turned over to "The Tonight Show" because for political people it was gripping viewing. I sincerely felt sorry for the chairperson, Siún Ní Raghallaigh, because I knew the first time the Minister was asked whether she had confidence that that lady was gone. I have only been a TD for four years, but I knew that. Surely the Minister, her staff who were with her and the officials in her Department knew that once the Minister was asked that question that Ms Ní Raghallaigh was gone.

The question was asked earlier whether this was a conscious decision. There was nothing for the chair to do but to fall on her sword. What was the hurry about doing "Prime Time"? I do not mean any disrespect, but I was available last Thursday and I would have done it if the producers were looking for someone to interview. The Minister did not need to be there. I imagine Ms Ní Raghallaigh was at home last Thursday evening with phone call after phone call coming in to tell her that the Minister was going to write to say that she was disappointed in her for not revealing all the information.

I was at the media committee meeting last Thursday. I am new to this committee. I asked the director general whether Rory Coveney resigned and I was told he did. I asked whether he got a payout and I was told he did. Then I asked why he got a payout, given that he resigned. The Minister still has confidence - I am not saying she should not - in the director general, but it seems there is one rule for the chair and another for the director general. From what I can see in the timeline, the Minister knew what would happen at 11 a.m. last Thursday.