Harney under fire over Punchestown row

THE Department of Agriculture chief, singled out for criticism over his role in the Punchestown affair, may have his contract extended next month.

The seven-year term of office of Department of Agriculture secretary general John Malone runs out in May, but in recent weeks Minister for Agriculture Joe Walsh has been considering asking the Cabinet to extend the contract.

As accounting officer of the department, Mr Malone was criticised by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) as he should have ensured the need for the €14.8 million Punchestown event centre was properly evaluated under Department of Finance guidelines.