Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Some people may question why we spend so much time discussing amounts in the order of hundreds or thousands of euro.

There is a bigger issue of process that has aggrieved all of us. We had a meeting last week during which we were assured we had got to the bottom of everything in terms of understanding what happens. Not only did we find out that we are not, but it is then communicated in such a way that it comes to the committee at the last minute and, in effect, a third party - the witnesses present today - had to communicate it to us. When dealing with an issue such as this, the process of how we see it being resolved is very important. I have a strong sense that this has not been managed in a way that gives respect to the committee and the work we are trying to do particularly in light of assurances we received last week that this was drawing to a close. I regret that today's witnesses had to give the information to us given that they received it at the same time the committee did. In effect they are in the firing line for questions from us when that should have happened last week. The real source of disappointment for me is the breakdown in how it has been handled rather than just the money itself. That is why it is very important for us to find an answer to these questions here. The way this has come to light is very unsatisfactory for us and also for the witnesses.