Fianna Fáil TD Frank Fahey has defended his role in the controversial Lost at Sea Scheme which he set up when he was Minister of State in 2001.
The scheme was established to assist fishermen who lost boats at sea to return to work.
Speaking at an Oireachtas Committee today, Deputy Fahey said many false claims had been made on the matter and that at no time was cash compensation paid to the successful applicants.
The scheme has been investigated by Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly who found the way the scheme was designed was contrary to sound and fair administration.
The Ombudsman's findings have not been accepted by the Houses of the Oireachtas.
