Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday we learned from our colleague, Deputy Colm Brophy, Chairman of the Committee on Budgetary Oversight, that the Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Mr. Watt, had refused to come before the committee to speak to it about what is a major project for, considering the massive overspend in the area of health. In particular, we have an interest in the huge overruns in building the national children's hospital. Mr. Watt's Department is responsible for public procurement. I understand other committees of the House are also interested in interviewing the Secretary General. What is the view of the Tánaiste that the most senior civil servant in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is not prepared to speak to the Committee on Budgetary Oversight, which is an important initiative of the Dáil?

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