Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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We should note the correspondence. I share Deputy Cullinane's concerns, not alone that this might prove to be a pretext to limit the questions we ask but, more to the point, it might be the single transferable answer to questions that are provided by the witness today. While noting the fact of the investigation and this correspondence, it would not be acceptable for a witness to come before the committee today and say "I cannot answer that because there is an investigation under way." I appeal to the Cathaoirleach, as the person who runs these hearings, is ultimately in charge and who will make rulings, that it would be a most unsatisfactory and unnecessary impediment to us carrying out our function.