I propose to take Questions Nos. 302 to 305, inclusive, together.
My Department, and previous Ministers, have been in receipt of correspondence from the individual concerned over many years in relation to the issues raised by the Deputy in his Questions. There have been a number of Departments and statutorily independent Offices involved in considering different aspects of the issues raised and insofar as my Department is concerned a complaint was lodged several years ago with the Ombudsman’s Office in relation to how my Department had handled the matter. The Ombudsman’s Office decided to close their file in this case without any adverse findings issuing against the Department.
I am further informed that An Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality has decided to establish an enquiry into matters raised by the individual concerned which come under the responsibility of that Department’s remit.
Insofar as European Social Fund Programmes from a decade and more ago are concerned, these have been deemed "closed" for some time by the European Authorities with all payments due from the EU Commission to Ireland fully reconciled.
Finally, I have recently received correspondence from, and on behalf of, the individual concerned and it will be replied to as soon as possible.