Key official to be quizzed by PAC

THE key official who accompanied former Minister for Education Michael Woods in the 128 million abuse compensation talks with the religious orders will be quizzed by a high powered watchdog today.

Department of Education secretary general John Dennehy will appear before the Public Accounts Committee this morning.

Mr Woods and Mr Dennehy attended two crucial meetings with the religious orders delegation

Comptroller and Auditor General John Purcell will assist PAC members as they investigate the issues raised by his damning report into the liability deal.

PAC chairman John Perry vowed last night to question Mr Dennehy about why he departed from official protocol by failing to take notes at a number of the meetings. Mr Perry said the committee will also ask why no assessment was made of the assets of the religious orders. Labour leader Pat Rabbitte and Dan Boyle of the Green Party have also stated the C&AG’s report raises serious questions to answered by the Department of Education.