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.
Moderate Weather Advisory Issued For Kildare
Calls For Newbridge Bridge To Be Improved As Council Await Iarnród Éireann Response
Athy's Adrian Kane Appointed SIPTU Deputy General Secretary
Brendan Wyse Steps Down As Clane-Maynooth Councillor
Celbridge-Leixlip MD Appoint New Cathaoirleach And Leas-Chathaoirleach
€1.17M Spent On Kildare Vacant Property Grants In Q2
Work On Newbridge Play Area To Begin In Mid October
Kfm Obituary Notices
