What is Taoiseach trying to hide by rejecting Lost at Sea Scheme questions? – Creed Fine Gael Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Spokesman, Michael Creed TD, today (Thursday) asked why the Taoiseach has rejected calls for an enquiry following the publication of the Ombudsman’s Report on the Lost at Sea Scheme.
“I asked for a commitment from the Taoiseach in the Dáil today that there would be statements on the Ombudsman’s investigation of the Lost at Sea Scheme early in the new year followed by an enquiry in the Agriculture Committee. The Taoiseach refused to give this commitment\”.
“The significance of the Ombudsman’s action in laying this report before both Houses of the Oireachtas must be understood. It indicates her dissatisfaction with the Government’s stonewalling to date. The Taoiseach’s response suggests the Government is set to continue to stifle questions on the Lost at Sea scheme. We must ask ourselves why\”.
“The fact is aspects of this scheme stink and the Ombudsman’s finding for compensation for one complainant rejected by the scheme means the taxpayer is potentially exposed to a financial hit. This Government has a track record of ignoring financial warnings but in this case something more sinister than their usual incompetence is going on. Circling the wagons around former Marine Minister Frank Fahey is not an acceptable reason to deflect essential questions on this scheme. I will continue to press for a full enquiry which will include questioning of Deputy Fahey and relevant officials.”