The shock claims were made by the officials who were forced to cut ties with the charity earlier this month after they again refused to submit to a committee grilling.

In two separate legal letters sent to the PAC last night — hours before a two-week deadline for them to willingly attend runs out, meaning they will now be “compelled” to meet with the committee — Mr Flannery and Ms Kerins said they have been the subject of an illegal “witch-hunt” and “personal vendetta”.

Dore and Company solicitors said their client, Mr Flannery, who until recently was a long-term senior Fine Gael adviser, “does not need to exercise a right of reply” as no issues have arisen “on which he would be able to assist”.

A letter from Eames Solicitors on behalf of Ms Kerins said a “significant injustice has been visited” on their client, insisting she did not “snub” the committee, but suffered “serious ill-health” requiring hospitalisation between March 2-11 and “one night” at a later date.

PAC chair John McGuinness last night said the committee will respond to the claims in full during its meeting this morning.