Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It was indicated to us some time in early summer that the ruling would come out in the early autumn, in September-October but more likely to be in September. I am speaking from memory but I think I put this on the record previously. When we got the call some time in late August that it would probably come out in the first days of September we were just surprised at the timing, but not particularly surprised. I expected it would come out anyway in late September at that stage and then it was announced in August. I had met the Commissioner - I forget on what date - and discussed it, and she had indicated that she would let us know in advance when the ruling would come out. Therefore, I was not surprised at the timing but I was surprised at the amount of money. Quite frankly, it was the widest possible interpretation that one could take.