DPER SecGen Robert Watt has just told the PAC that he doesn’t recall saying the thing he is reported to have said 37 minutes ago 🤔 https://t.co/63EBMOEvOd

— Hugh O'Connell (@oconnellhugh) March 7, 2019

You've mde lots of inaccurate claims Sarah, again (see "bragging" tweet). He was not in the corridor, he was going into a committee on an issue of public interest (imp diff). I *did* report & *did not* "tip off". I've never had a problem with people trusting me in their company.

— Fiachra Ó Cionnaith (@Ocionnaith) March 7, 2019

This evening.

Earlier…

Robert Watt, Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure answering questions about the National Children’s Hospital overruns this morning at PAC this morning

The most senior civil servant in charge of public spending has become embroiled in a row with members of the Dáil’s Public Accounts Committee over claims he said they were “a mob” that needed to be controlled.

Sinn Féin’s David Culliane told the committee it was reported by a “very responsible journalist” that Mr Watt had said, outside of the committee room, that Committee Chairman Sean Fleming, “needs to control the mob.”

Mr Watt said: “I don’t recall saying it to be honest but if I did say it, it is a colloquial expression. It is not in any way intended to be demeaning to anybody. I don’t recollect to be honest.”

…Fianna Fáil’s Mark MacSharry said that the 18-page opening statement to the committee from Mr Watt did not mention the new children’s hospital once.

He described this as a ‘Harvey Smith‘ to the committee.

Watt embroiled in row over ‘mob’ comments about PAC (RTÉ)

Watch: PAC chairman ‘highly frustrated’ over senior official’s absence (RTÉ)

UPDATE:

Ind TD Catherine Connolly raises the “mob” remark (Mr Watt sighs). She asks Mr Watt if he is apologising unequivocally, and if he isn’t if he will ask reporter (me) to take back quote. Mr Watt says he will apologise if offended, but pressed again says he doesn’t recall saying it.

— Fiachra Ó Cionnaith (@Ocionnaith) March 7, 2019

(For the record, he did say it. It was clear as day).

— Fiachra Ó Cionnaith (@Ocionnaith) March 7, 2019