Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

Once allegations were made a step-by-step procedure that is much too long to go through now was agreed upon and investigators were appointed. As situations such as this have arisen in the past in which people agreed a procedure but did not find the answer they desired, we understand that these things can happen. A procedure was followed in this case and has been brought to a conclusion. The detailed information I have does not coincide with the Deputy's statement.

I understand that allegations were made concerning the exercise of political influence in respect of two appointments and that this matter did not fall within the terms of reference of the investigation. This was all agreed beforehand. One cannot agree the rules of a game and not play by them. However, I and my Department are certain that no such influences were involved and I reject any allegations about that. Concerns were expressed in the report about the process followed leading to these appointments in Waterways Ireland. These have all been addressed in new procedures. The Deputy can take that as read. I have made sure of that and have gone into all those details. I was much more concerned about making sure that once we agreed a process to deal with the issue, it would be followed to the letter of the law and would come to a full conclusion. The second issue was to put steps in place to ensure whatever failings identified in the first process would not happen again.

The investigator acknowledged that no criticism was being made of the individuals involved nor was it being suggested that they were unsuitable for the posts. The investigator raised no issues in regard to the validity of the appointment and the two sponsor Departments have accepted this. When one sends in an investigator, one must agree with the result.

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