The Taoiseach says the taxpayers watchdog was given a "litany of facts that were not the truth" in relation to the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC).

Enda Kenny has made the comments in the Dáil this evening on the implementation of the Programme for Government.

He said the public had the right to know how their money was spent, adding that it was nauseating to some what had happened at the CRC.

Earlier, the Public Expenditure Minister said the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) should compel any former CRC board member it needs to in order to get to the "full truth".

The PAC wants to question management at the clinic over the €740,000 pensions payout for former Chief Executive Paul Kiely. Its Chairperson John McGuinness says he is considering using legislation to compel them to appear if they refuse to answer more questions.

And Minister Brendan Howlin said the Committee should use whatever powers it can to get to the bottom of the controversy.