Wallace slur on PAC members unacceptable – O’Donovan

Fine Gael TD for Limerick and Member of the Public Accounts Committee, Patrick O’Donovan says that Mick Wallace’s claim that PAC is comprised of “publicity chasing politicians” is unacceptable and a slur on its record.. 

“The Public Accounts Committee has a long and distinguished record of independent, non-partisan investigations in the public interest. To suggest that the committee is comprised of publicity chasing politicians is a slur on this record and is not acceptable.

“NAMA is answerable to the Oireachtas, through the Comptroller and Auditor General and overseen by PAC. PAC is the appropriate place to discuss these matters and Deputy Wallace’s refusal to appear before the committee is an affront to its record of cross-party co-operation and investigation. The C&AG has a proven track record of carrying out efficient investigations and I believe it is Deputy Wallace’s duty to bring his concerns to the attention of the Comptroller and the Public Accounts Committee as soon as possible and not to engage in childish name calling through social media on such a serious issue.

“I reject the Deputy’s reasons for not appearing before the Committee and call on him reconsider and to make all information that he has available to the Committee. I also call on the other members of the PAC regardless of affiliation, to support the record of PAC and to urge Deputy Wallace to attend.”