Mr. Brian Purcell:

Thank you, Chairman. As I said earlier, we have a certain difficulty with the matter as the case is still live and is in dispute with proceedings having issued. Like the Chief State Solicitor, I wish to co-operate in every way possible with the committee. We can answer some questions within the constraints I have outlined. Would you, Chairman, consider it appropriate for us to deal with the general Vote issues and then go into private session to deal with the issues relating to chapter 15? That could facilitate a better discussion. As the Chief State Solicitor has outlined, there would be difficulties. As I said in the opening statement, it would certainly be foreseeable that a discussion on the matter might reveal our hand in a way that could prejudice the State's ability to successfully prosecute the case. I accept the principal remit of the committee is to account for public expenditure. I am frustrated at the situation. It was one of the first things that was dropped on my desk when I was appointed as Secretary General in the Department. I am acutely aware of the fact that we are at a point now where proceedings have issued and this is a matter of concern because it will be contested and we do not want to do anything that would jeopardise our case.