Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In case my previous comments are misinterpreted, I do not think this is an attempt by the CPP to nobble us. I do not think it is trying to challenge us. It is just an indication of a central fact that we are outside our remit so the problem is to change the remit. So long as we operate under the current remit, operated under the Standing Orders, I do not think we can pursue this matter. We must, therefore, look at the bigger picture rather than continue down this path with Rehab which I think is only going to damage the committee in the future. I have no problem with independent legal advice, as Deputy Ross asked for and think it might be helpful. We had a previous discussion in private on the legal advice available to the Oireachtas and the legal advice that we had before. If a second voice would help in the matter, that would be useful. The bigger problem is changing the remit which is something that would bring benefit, not just in the Rehab case, but also in relation to local authorities where we want to look at the Welsh model of a public accounts committee. We have discussed those things here before in private. That is the central thing that has been told to us in this letter and I do not think that will change.