The comment was made by a senior member of the Department of Health.
The head of the Department of Health's finance unit described the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) as having “a few loopers” among its membership.
According to a recording obtained by the Irish Examiner, during a round-table preparatory session in the unit ahead of the department’s appearance before the committee last December, John O’Grady said, “Not for repeating, but there are a few loopers on the Public Accounts Committee, which makes it even more unpredictable."
Mr O’Grady, who routinely appears before Oireachtas committees as support staff for either his secretary general or the minister, added that “Robert is well able for them”, a reference to Robert Watt, the head of the department.
The Irish Examiner reports, PAC vice chair Catherine Murphy said Mr O’Grady’s comments revealed an unacceptable dynamic.
"It is not acceptable that any Oireachtas committee would be treated like that," she said.
“It seems the executive value themselves more than they value the democratic side.
R405 Hazelhatch Road To Close Between Loughtown Road And Athgoe Road For Major Pipeline Works
Local Demonstrations To Accompany Leinster House SNA Protest Amid Growing Backlash, Says Kildare TD
"Who Will Take Care Of Our Intellectually Disabled Children When We Die?" Asks Campaign Group
Kfm Obituary Notices
'Hop To It': Locals Asked To Record Sightings Of Common Frog, Amid Low Numbers Recorded
New Online Interface To Reveal Derelict Buildings In Every Area
Revealed: Damning Moone-Timolin Cycleway Audit Cost Several Thousand In Taxpayers’ Money
Not Enough Taxis In Country, Says CCPC Amid Calls For Removal Of Uber Restrictions
