PAC may seek files of orders

The Dáil Public Accounts Committee (PAC) may use its powers to seek papers and records from the 18 congregations that signed the controversial indemnity deal with the State.

The committee is to meet in private today to discuss its next moves in its inquiry into the deal whereby the congregations were granted the indemnity deal.

It has written to Sister Helena O'Donoghue, co-ordinator for the 18 congregations, inviting them to attend before the committee. A response has yet to be received.

The committee will be briefed today by its chairman, Mr John Perry TD, on its powers to seek "persons, papers and records" as part of its inquiry.

The committee will be told that its powers to access documents are greater than those that exist under the Freedom of Information Act. It also has the power to seek papers and records from non-State bodies, such as the congregations.

The committee is hoping to resume public hearings next Thursday. It has already sought papers from the Department of Education, the lead Department in negotiating the deal with the congregations, and expects to receive the papers in time for today's private meeting.

It is also seeking papers from the Attorney General's Office, the Department of Finance and the Department of An Taoiseach. Officials will be invited to appear before the committee.

"This is a committee inquiry, and we are very much here to facilitate the facts becoming known," Mr Perry, said. "

Our job is to look at the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General but we don't look at policy. There are encouraging signs that there will be co-operation from everybody in getting to the bottom of the whole issue."