Ms Oonagh McPhillips:

By and large we would deal with sanctions in writing, obviously. These were particular circumstances and, as the Deputy will be aware, sanction took some months to come through. In the meantime the tribunal was up and running and would need someone to liaise with. The verbal sanction that was given was ultimately confirmed by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. It would not be a daily practice, it would not happen very often, but it would need to be able to happen. One needs to have the flexibility where it is needed.