Console organisation governance
Senator O’Donnell seeks clarity about Console’s governance and funding and says its chief executive should formally resign; the Chair warns against naming absent individuals.
I want to speak about Console, which was raised several times yesterday. The CEO, Mr. Paul Kelly, still appears not to have formally resigned in writing from his position. He cannot act like the Scarlet Pimpernel. The Console organisation has done fantastic work and its staff have been left in a terrible state over what has happened. How did this situation arise? I would love to know the legal and financial constructs around Console. Over a long number of years hundreds of thousands of euro were spent, a lot of it taxpayers' money that was given to Console. The staff have provided a fantastic service. I call on Mr. Kelly to formally resign his position. If he is not willing to formally resign today then I call on the investigators in the State to go into the High Court and ensure his resignation takes place.
Comment on this
I am sorry to interrupt but I wish to make a point of order. Are we not meant to be careful about naming people in the Chamber in case it affects legal proceedings in the future?
Comment on this
We are. The Senator is quite right that we should not mention people who are not here to defend themselves.
Comment on this
We are not a legal Chamber. In the interests of the Console organisation and the people who use it, Mr. Kelly needs to formally resign.