Mr. Tony O'Brien:

With respect, I have spoken to these individuals. I went to see them specifically in order to prepare for this encounter today. The individuals concerned confirmed that when asked if an apology had been given - they were asked that in the context of responding to this issue - they said "Yes". They also confirmed that they were not saying they had given an official apology. In the course of expressing their remorse, the word "sorry" was used. When they were asked had they apologised, they confirmed yes. The person asking the question did not ask them whether they had given personal expressions of remorse. That person was asking them whether they had given an official apology. There was a request for an apology to be included in the overall process, but that was not picked up. In my view, having spoken to all concerned, this was an honest mistake. That mistake influenced what happened at the meetings and in the telephone call. It carried through to the information that was provided to the committee, which was incorrect, and to that extent it misled the committee. The question is whether anyone set out to mislead the committee. Having spoken to all of those involved, I do not believe they did.