Key papers ‘not handed over’ by department

The Department of Transport has been accused of failing to hand over key documents to the Public Accounts Committee while under investigation for its handling of a flawed and costly legal battle.

The PAC’s chairman, John McGuinness, told the department it was unacceptable that it did not flag the existence of critical documents during hearings on waste at the National Aquatic Centre.

Mr McGuinness said the department’s failure to produce these papers amounted to a “material omission”. He said was not acceptable and was something he wanted answers on.