Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Creed also made the floodgates argument and suggested we should step out of the straitjacket. Is he sure that is the appropriate thing to do in these or other circumstances?

I refer to the points made by Deputy Sherlock and the extraordinary attack with regard to what he claims was my attack on the motivation of the family. The motivation of the family is entirely irrelevant. I set the terms of the scheme before the House and the facts with regard to how it was considered by the departmental officials then and now. I will return to this point presently.

Deputy Sherlock also suggested the Ombudsman found maladministration. That is at variance with what the Ombudsman said in her report. It is worth looking at what she said on this point. Deputy Sherlock also made the point that this carry-on undermines the Office of the Ombudsman. If we confine ourselves to the points made by the Ombudsman and set aside our personal views, which is very difficult for me and everyone else, we can examine the nub of the issue. However, this is very different to much of what has been said today. The point made by Deputy Creed about previous experiences is relevant in that regard. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food routinely works with the Ombudsman, probably to as great an extent as any other Department. The Department routinely accepts and complies with the findings of the Ombudsman, as do many other Departments. Any attempt to suggest that is not the case is inaccurate.

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